White House Calls US-Russia Alaska Summit 'Listening Exercise' For President Trump
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15 to discuss possible ways to bring an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The announcement has generated significant international interest, given the potential implications for both regional stability and global diplomacy.
Just days before the scheduled meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media on Tuesday and outlined the key objectives of the upcoming bilateral talks between the two world leaders. She confirmed that President Trump will travel to Anchorage for the summit, with his primary aim being to halt the conflict and, in her words, 'stop the killing."
Leavitt stressed that this face-to-face meeting, unlike previous telephonic exchanges between Trump and Putin, would provide a more concrete sense of direction regarding the war's future. 'I think @POTUS getting in a room with the President of Russia will give the best indication of how to end this war," she said. Leavitt also characterised the meeting as a 'listening exercise" for President Trump.
. @PressSec: 'I think @POTUS getting in a room with the President of Russia — sitting face to face rather than speaking over the telephone — will give this President the best indication of how to end this war." pic.twitter.com/dZmKwPDwvM — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 12, 2025
When asked whether there had been any shift in expectations surrounding a potential deal with Russia, Leavitt stated that there had been no change. However, she acknowledged that any formal agreement would require mutual consent. Finalising any deal would require both Ukraine and Russia at the table to agree, she indicated, noting that Friday's meeting will involve only President Trump and President Putin.
This summit will be Trump's first official engagement with Putin since assuming his second term in January. It also represents the first formal presidential-level meeting between the US and Russia since former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in 2021.
In preparation for the talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been coordinating with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to iron out last-minute details. Reports suggest that both sides are approaching the summit with cautious optimism.
Meanwhile, European leaders on Tuesday urged President Trump not to endorse any territorial changes in Ukraine brought about by force. In a formal statement signed by 26 European heads of state, they asserted that 'the people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future."
Speaking to the press on Monday, Trump made it clear that he would attempt to regain some territory for Ukraine during his discussions with Putin. 'Russia's occupied a big portion of Ukraine. They occupied prime territory. We're going to try to get some of that territory back for Ukraine," he said during a White House news conference.
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