Putin Praises Trump’s Ukraine Peace Push as Leaders Prepare for Alaska Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lauded US President Donald Trump’s “energetic and sincere” efforts to end the war in Ukraine, more than three years after Moscow launched its invasion, as the two prepared for a high-stakes summit in Alaska on Friday.

In a Kremlin video following a meeting with top officials, Putin said Washington was working to “reach agreements that are of interest to all parties involved” and suggested long-term peace — including nuclear arms control — could be achieved with US cooperation.

Trump, speaking in Washington, put the odds of the summit failing at 25% but hinted that, if successful, he could invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Alaska for a three-way meeting. In a Fox News radio interview, Trump added he might extend his stay in the state depending on talks with Putin.

European Stakeholders on Edge

In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Zelensky on Thursday in a show of solidarity ahead of the summit. The visit followed Zelensky’s virtual meeting a day earlier with Trump and several European leaders, during which Trump reportedly vowed to prioritize securing a Ukraine ceasefire in his talks with Putin.

After those meetings, Trump warned of “very severe consequences” for Russia if it refused to halt hostilities. European leaders — including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron — described the call as constructive, but uncertainty persists over Trump’s evolving stance toward both Zelensky and Putin.

Many in Kyiv and across Europe fear a bilateral US–Russia deal could sideline their interests and tilt toward Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed expectations, saying no agreements would be signed. Putin aide Yuri Ushakov said Friday’s agenda includes a one-on-one meeting, delegation talks, a working breakfast, and possibly a joint news conference — though Trump disputed the latter.

Fears Over Ukraine’s Borders

Starmer warned that any deal must protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stressing, “International borders cannot be, and must not be, changed by force.” Western allies, he said, must be ready to increase pressure on Russia if needed.

Kyiv insists security guarantees are essential for lasting peace, but many allies remain wary of committing troops. Macron said Trump clarified NATO would not be part of any future guarantees, though the US and “all parties involved” should participate. Trump has not publicly confirmed such a pledge.

Ukrainians Split on Prospects

Some Ukrainians doubt the summit will deliver. “We have already lost hope,” said Oleksandra Kozlova, a Kyiv digital agency worker. “There have been enough meetings and promises. I don’t see changes coming.”

Others, like car salesman Anton Vyshniak, say protecting soldiers’ lives should take precedence — even if it means territorial concessions. “Human lives are priceless,” he said.

Prisoner Swap and Strikes

On Thursday, Zelensky announced the release of 84 Ukrainians from Russian captivity, including civilians and soldiers held since as far back as 2014. Moscow confirmed it had received 84 soldiers in return.

Meanwhile, Russian strikes on Ukraine’s Sumy region injured a 7-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man, local officials said. In Russia’s Rostov region, a Ukrainian drone attack damaged several apartment buildings, wounding 13 civilians.