US President Confirms Friday Summit with Russian Leader
Donald Trump confirmed that Vladimir Putin will meet him in Alaska this Friday, praising the Russian leader while notably excluding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from the initial talks. The US President described Putin’s offer to meet as “very respectful” and said he would only arrange a subsequent meeting with Zelensky “if a deal is possible.”
Trump’s Controversial Praise for Putin
In a concerning press conference, Trump heaped praise on the Russian dictator, saying he “got along very well” with Putin and that the strongman saw him as “the apple of his eye” before the invasion. The President described Moscow’s decision to reach out and offer to meet in Alaska as demonstrating respect.
Criticism of Ukraine’s Constitutional Requirements
Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky’s statement that any territorial changes would require constitutional approval. “I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelensky was saying, ‘Well, I have to get constitutional approval,'” Trump said. “He’s got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap.”
Ukraine Not Invited to Initial Alaska Meeting
Zelensky Excluded from Friday Summit
The Ukrainian President will not attend the Alaska meeting, with Trump stating: “I would say he could go, but he’s gone to a lot of meetings, he’s been there for three-and-a-half years and nothing happened.” European leaders are also excluded from the initial talks.
Roadmap for Potential Three-Way Talks
Trump outlined his plan for after the Putin meeting: “After that meeting, immediately, maybe as I’m flying out, maybe as I’m leaving the room, I’ll be calling the European leaders. I think, out of respect, I’ll call him [Zelensky] first, and then I’ll call them after.”
International Reactions and Concerns
UK Response
A Downing Street spokesman emphasized that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” while adding that Britain “absolutely supports President Trump’s work to stop the killing in Ukraine.” However, they warned: “You can never trust President Putin as far as you can throw him.”
Emergency European Call Organized
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has organized an emergency virtual summit for Tuesday with Trump, Zelensky, and other European leaders ahead of the Alaska meeting. The call will focus on pressure options against Russia, questions over Ukraine’s occupied territories, and security guarantees for Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Shifting Negotiating Position
Potential Territorial Concessions
Western officials report that Ukraine may be softening its negotiating stance. According to sources, Zelensky might agree to cede territory already held by Russia as part of a European-backed peace plan, effectively freezing the front line in its current position.
What This Would Mean
Such an agreement would give Russia control over most of the Donbas region, as well as Crimea and parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, while Ukraine would not “swap” any territory not already taken by Moscow.
Trump’s Contradictory Statements
Mixed Messages on Putin
While praising Putin, Trump also claimed he was “the toughest” on the Russian leader and said Putin “isn’t going to mess with me.” He vowed to tell Putin: “You’ve got to end this war” during their meeting.
Apparent Blunders
In an apparent slip, Trump at one point said he was “going to Russia on Friday” and later stated: “We’re going to Russia. That’s going to be a big deal,” despite the meeting being planned for Alaska.
Questionable Claims and Historical References
Disputed Polling Data
Trump falsely claimed that 88% of Ukrainians want a deal and labeled the invaded country “gung ho for war” three years ago. Recent polling actually shows 70% want a negotiated settlement, and Ukraine never wanted war.
Orban’s Influence
Trump shared what he called a historical lecture from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known as “Putin’s man in Europe.” According to Trump, Orban advised that Ukraine can never defeat Russia because “Russia is a massive country and they win their life through wars.”
The High Stakes Meeting
Trump described the Alaska summit as a “feel-out meeting,” saying he will know “probably in the first two minutes” of meeting Putin whether a deal can be made. “I may say, lots of luck – keep fighting. Or I may say, we can make a deal,” he explained.
If he believes progress is possible, Trump promised: “I’m going to put the two of them in a room, I’ll be there or I won’t be there, and I think it’ll get solved.”
