President Donald Trump announced Friday night that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday, August 15, in Alaska — the first in-person meeting between U.S. and Russian leaders since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“The highly anticipated meeting… will take place next Friday… in the Great State of Alaska,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Further details to follow.”
Location Chosen After Debate
The meeting location had been the subject of intense discussion. Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, and the UAE were all considered, with Putin originally pushing for Hungary. He ruled out Italy over its perceived closeness to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Alaska emerged as the compromise site following a week of talks and a call between Trump and Putin on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy Talks and Trilateral Possibility
After his call with Putin, Trump also spoke with Zelenskyy and several European leaders about a possible three-way meeting.
The Kremlin has so far resisted any Putin–Zelenskyy talks, though Putin’s advisers have hinted he could agree if Ukraine cedes Donetsk and Luhansk — territories Russia annexed in 2022 without full control. Zelenskyy has countered that Ukraine’s Constitution requires a national referendum for any territorial concessions.
Trump told reporters he believes there’s a “very good prospect” Putin and Zelenskyy will eventually meet.
What’s at Stake
It remains unclear what Trump hopes to secure from his face-to-face with Putin after months of stalled ceasefire efforts and what he called “disappointments” with the Kremlin. Still, the president is moving forward with what could be his most high-profile diplomatic engagement since returning to the White House.
