Why are Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska and when will it happen?

August 10, 2025

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet in Alaska on August 15 to discuss ending the Ukraine war, following Trump's previous deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Trump claims a deal "to stop the killing" is close and has reportedly proposed territorial swaps, including Russia keeping Crimea and parts of the Donbas region while relinquishing Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any agreements made without Ukraine's input, stating they would be "dead decisions" and that Ukraine will not "reward Russia for what it has perpetrated.

Who is affected

Ukrainian citizens and territories
Russian citizens and military
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government
European leaders being lobbied on the ceasefire deal
People in contested regions (Crimea, Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia)

What action is being taken

Trump and Putin are planning to meet in Alaska on August 15
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has held talks with Putin in Moscow
The Trump administration is attempting to convince European leaders to support a ceasefire deal involving territorial exchanges
Zelensky is publicly opposing any agreements made without Ukraine's involvement
Trump is pushing for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine

Why it matters

The meeting represents a significant diplomatic effort to end a war that has lasted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine
The proposed territorial exchanges would permanently alter Ukraine's borders and sovereignty
Any peace deal would affect NATO's relationship with Ukraine and Russia's position in Eastern Europe
The outcome could impact global security arrangements and alliances
Ukraine strongly opposes territorial concessions, creating tension between the US peace efforts and Ukraine's position

What's next

The Trump-Putin meeting will take place on August 15 in Alaska
Vice President JD Vance suggested Zelensky could join Putin and Trump for talks at a later date
Further details about the meeting location in Alaska will be provided

Read full article from source: BBC