Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet today at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, which began in 2022. The summit, set to start at 3:30 p.m. ET, is seen as a critical moment for global diplomacy but has sparked controversy due to the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and protests supporting Ukraine across Alaska. Trump seeks a ceasefire, while Putin insists on territorial demands. The absence of Kyiv in the talks and threats of U.S. sanctions heighten tensions. The meeting could reshape European security and U.S.-Russia relations.
The choice of Alaska as the summit’s location carries historical and strategic significance. During the Cold War, the region was a flashpoint between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union due to its proximity to Russia. The military base hosting the meeting symbolizes this rivalry but also provides a secure location to avoid direct protests. Trump described the meeting as a “listening exercise” but warned he might end it quickly if no progress is made.
- Summit goals: Negotiate a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy’s exclusion: Ukraine was not invited, drawing criticism from European allies.
- Alaska protests: Local residents show support for Kyiv and opposition to Putin.
- Sanctions threats: Trump promised “severe consequences” if Putin does not yield.
The summit comes at a delicate moment, with the war in Ukraine causing thousands of deaths and displacing millions. The negotiations could impact not only Ukraine but also global economics and geopolitical stability.
Local reactions fuel debate
In Alaska, Putin’s arrival triggered protests in at least 16 cities, from Fairbanks to Ketchikan. Demonstrators waved Ukrainian flags and held signs reading “Alaska stands with Ukraine.” In Anchorage, a major event at Delaney Park Strip featured a giant Ukrainian flag. Organizers like Nicole Collins of Ketchikan Mayday for Democracy expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and outrage at Putin’s presence, described as a “war criminal” due to the 2022 invasion.
The protests reflect local unease with the summit. Riza Smith, a former soldier and Anchorage organizer, highlighted the irony of hosting Putin at a U.S. military base, given regular U.S. exercises to counter Russian airspace incursions in Alaska. For many, the meeting is seen as Trump’s attempt to cement his image as a global negotiator but also risks legitimizing Russia’s actions.
- Ketchikan vigils: Nighttime events showed support for Ukraine.
- Anchorage rally: Thousands gathered downtown.
- Criticism of Trump: Protesters question his friendly stance toward Putin.
The mobilization in Alaska reflects divided opinions on the summit. While some see it as a chance for peace, others fear it could lead to concessions harmful to Ukraine.
Negotiations under international pressure
Zelenskyy’s exclusion from the summit drew criticism from European leaders, who fear an agreement ignoring Ukraine’s interests. On Wednesday, Trump joined a virtual meeting with leaders from Germany, France, and the UK, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They stressed that any deal must include Ukraine and respect its borders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “international borders cannot be changed by force.”
Zelenskyy, visiting London on Thursday, reiterated that decisions without Kyiv’s involvement would be “null.” He warned that Putin does not negotiate in good faith, pointing to Russia’s demands for control over four Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. These areas, partially occupied by Moscow, are central to Putin’s demands, which also include Ukraine’s neutrality regarding NATO.
Trump suggested the possibility of “territory swaps” to achieve peace, an idea rejected by Kyiv. The U.S. president stated that, if the summit succeeds, he will organize a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy. However, analysts warn that any territorial concessions could weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty and NATO’s credibility.
Economic issues at stake
Beyond the war, the summit addresses economic matters like sanctions and trade. Trump threatened secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, such as India, which faces 25% tariffs on its exports to the U.S. These measures aim to pressure Moscow but also strain relations with allies. India argues that its Russian oil purchases stabilize the global market, benefiting even U.S. consumers.
Russia’s delegation, including Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and sovereign wealth fund head Kirill Dmitriev, signals interest in discussing economic ties. Putin also raised the possibility of a new nuclear arms control deal to replace the treaty expiring in 2026. These proposals broaden the summit’s scope but may divert focus from Ukraine.
- Secondary sanctions: Threaten countries like India and China.
- Russian oil: Purchases by U.S. allies are central to the debate.
- Nuclear deal: Putin proposes talks to renew the treaty.
- Economic impact: Sanctions could raise global energy prices.
The presence of figures like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the U.S. delegation underscores the economic stakes. However, Trump’s priority remains a Ukraine ceasefire.
Risks and expectations of the summit
The summit is seen as a chance for Trump to fulfill his campaign promise to end the Ukraine war quickly. However, expectations are tempered. Trump estimated a 25% chance of failure, while Putin maintains a rigid stance, rejecting temporary ceasefires without guarantees of Ukraine’s demilitarization.
Analysts note that Putin may use the summit to gain time and international legitimacy, while Trump risks being seen as conciliatory toward Moscow. Zelenskyy’s absence and Russia’s demands complicate a viable deal. Alaska’s proximity to Russia adds unique symbolism but also heightens pressure on the outcome.
- Risk of failure: Trump may walk out if no progress is made.
- Putin’s stance: Russia insists on maximalist demands.
- European pressure: Allies demand Kyiv’s involvement.
- Alaska’s symbolism: Location underscores U.S.-Russia rivalry.
The world watches the summit closely, aware that its consequences could extend beyond Ukraine, affecting global security and great-power relations.
Solidarity with Ukraine in focus
Alaska’s protests highlight support for Ukraine at a critical moment. Groups like Stand UP Alaska, led by Erin Jackson-Hill, organized demonstrations in Anchorage with slogans like “Alaska stands with Ukraine.” The events drew thousands, including veterans and local Ukrainian community members. They express outrage at Putin’s presence, accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
The demonstrations also criticize Zelenskyy’s exclusion. For many protesters, the summit risks agreements that disregard Ukraine’s sovereignty. The mobilization reflects the sentiment that the war, though distant, has global implications, including for Alaska, which shares a maritime border with Russia.
- Ukrainian flags: Central symbol of Anchorage protests.
- Criticism of Putin: Protesters label him a “war criminal.”
- Support for Zelenskyy: Demand for Ukraine’s inclusion in talks.
The Anchorage summit is thus not only a diplomatic event but also a catalyst for public mobilization, highlighting the conflict’s complexity and the divisions it provokes.