Trump, Putin Express Optimism Ahead of Ukraine Peace Summit

New York: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced optimism ahead of their Friday meeting in Alaska aimed at ending the Ukraine war — a breakthrough that could also help India avoid a looming 25% US tariff on Russian oil imports.

Trump told Fox Radio he believes Putin is “convinced” a deal can be reached, while Putin praised Trump’s “vigorous and sincere efforts” to halt hostilities and achieve a settlement benefiting all parties.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend the summit, instead meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. Both leaders said the talks present “a viable chance” for peace, but stressed Putin must show seriousness. Zelensky also told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation.”

Trump described the Alaska meeting as a first step to “set the table” for a later round involving Zelensky and possibly European leaders. Western allies, though cautious, have given Trump tentative backing, insisting meaningful talks require a ceasefire.

The summit will begin with one-on-one discussions, expand to delegation talks, and conclude with a joint press conference. Putin hopes to broaden the agenda to nuclear arms control and trade, including reviving the suspended New START treaty.

Trump, while hopeful, warned of “severe consequences” if the talks fail, putting the chances of failure at 25%. “I’ll know within the first five minutes whether it’s a good meeting or a bad one,” he said.

With inputs from IANS