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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on August 15, marking their first face-to-face meeting in seven years. The main goal is to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. ET (12:30 a.m. IST).
The summit will be held at the US military base in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Only the two leaders and their interpreters will be present in the meeting room. Afterward, they will address the media in a joint press conference.
Background of the Conflict
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on since 2022. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Putin wants these areas to be officially recognized as part of Russia and also wants Ukraine to drop its plan to join NATO.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he will not give up any territory, believing it would weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty and encourage more Russian attacks in the future.
Why the Meeting is in Alaska
People all over the world are thinking – Why meeting is being held in Alaska and not in any other place?
As per experts, Security is the main reason. Alaska’s closest point is just 90 km from Russia, so Putin can fly there without passing over countries considered hostile to Russia. The location also keeps the meeting far from Ukraine and Europe, aligning with Putin’s preference to talk directly with the US without involving Kyiv or EU leaders.
Tight Security for the Meeting
- The meeting will take place at Elmendorf-Richardson military base, also known as “Ice Fortress,” where 32,000 US soldiers are stationed.
- A no-fly zone will be enforced for 300 km around the base.
- Special forces, the Secret Service, and military police will provide multiple layers of security.
- Russian fighter jets will be stationed nearby in Anadyr, 88 km from Alaska.
- Even water bottles and cups used by Putin will be brought and sealed by his own security team.
Recent Developments Leading to the Meeting
Trump had earlier promised to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president, but it’s been more than six months and the conflict continues. Recently, Russia increased airstrikes on Ukraine, prompting Trump to give Russia a 50-day deadline to agree on peace talks. The deadline ended on August 8, and two days earlier, US Special Envoy Steve Whitcoff met Putin in Moscow to prepare for the summit.
On August 13, Trump also held a virtual meeting with Zelensky and European leaders. He suggested possible “land swaps” as part of a peace deal, but Zelensky rejected the idea, insisting on an unconditional ceasefire.
Germany, France, and Britain are firmly against Ukraine surrendering territory. They believe any peace agreement must involve Ukraine directly and include strong security guarantees.
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