Trump-Putin Meeting / Trump's big statement before meeting Putin, why the meeting in Alaska is special

Trump-Putin Meeting: US President Donald Trump has announced that he will discuss territorial swap with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an important meeting to be held in Alaska. The summit will be held on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, which aims to decide the direction of the Russia-Ukraine war and influence the future of Europe's security. Trump is looking at this meeting as a demonstration of his diplomatic ability.

Trump's claim: 'No deal from Ukraine'

Trump had earlier claimed that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war soon. Before leaving for Alaska, he said, "There will be talks on this issue, but the decision has to be taken by Ukraine. I have not come here to make a deal on behalf of Ukraine. If I were not the President, Putin would have captured the whole of Ukraine by now." This statement reflects his strategy in which he advises Ukraine to take independent decisions, but sees his role as a mediator.

Risky bet

Inviting Putin to American soil is a risky move by Trump. Putin was isolated on the global stage after the attack on Ukraine in 2022. This summit can again give him recognition on the international stage. Not including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in this meeting is against the policy of Western countries, which says "No decision about Ukraine without Ukraine." This has increased the fear that Trump may make such an agreement, which is against the interests of Ukraine.

Trump's enthusiasm and strategy

On Friday morning, outside the White House, Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social, "High stakes!!!" After this he left for Alaska by Air Force One. In an interview to Fox News Radio, Trump said that he is not expecting an immediate ceasefire, but wants a comprehensive peace agreement. He also indicated that if this meeting is successful, he can call Zelensky to Alaska and hold a trilateral meeting, although Russia has not yet agreed to this.

Russia's position

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "We never plan in advance. Our position is clear." Putin has always advocated a permanent peace agreement, which includes Russia's conditions, such as Ukraine not joining NATO and stopping the supply of weapons by Western countries. However, Ukraine and its allies have been rejecting these conditions.

Concerns of Ukraine and Europe

Zelensky has repeatedly questioned Putin's intentions. European allies are also concerned about this summit, as Ukraine has been left out of the talks. There is disappointment in Ukraine and Europe over Trump's suggestion of a territorial swap. Former US Ambassador Ian Kelly called it harmful for America and said, "It will only benefit Putin."

Importance of Alaska

The selection of Alaska is symbolically and strategically important for this summit. It is only 5 kilometers away from Russia and was purchased by the US from Russia in 1867. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson has played an important role against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. According to pro-Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov, the selection of Alaska reflects the distance from Europe and Ukraine. Former CIA analyst George Beeby believes that a summit held so soon may lead to misunderstandings, but Trump will hope for concrete results.