Russian President Vladimir Putin just gave President Donald Trump a nod. He called Trump’s push to end the war in Ukraine “energetic” and “sincere.” This comes right before the two meet face-to-face in Anchorage, Alaska. The summit’s set for Friday at a U.S. military base. It’s the biggest U.S.–Russia meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. People are asking: is peace even possible now?
Russia Opens the Door
Putin told Russian reporters on Wednesday that recent moves from Washington show a real effort to stop the war. He praised Trump’s push to end the bloodshed and said it might lead to bigger talks—on weapons, on security. He didn’t lay out any promises, but his words were softer than usual. That alone was enough to get people talking. Analysts say Putin’s trying to show Russia’s open to peace—if the U.S. plays ball.
Trump Takes a Risk
Trump’s betting big here. His team’s been pushing for months to make this summit happen. They say talking straight to Putin is the fastest way to stop the war. According to U.S. officials, the meeting will cover three things: stopping the fighting, arms control, and maybe figuring out how to rebuild Ukraine. Trump even said if things go well, he’ll try to bring in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next time. That would be a first.
Ukraine and Europe Get Nervous
Putin’s praise hit headlines fast, but it made some folks uneasy—especially in Kyiv. Ukrainian leaders worry Trump might cut a deal with Putin behind their backs. Zelenskyy keeps saying: no deal that gives up land to Russia. Leaders in Europe agree. This week, Germany, France, and the UK called Zelenskyy to make sure they’re all on the same page. They want Ukraine at the table for any real talks. EU head Ursula von der Leyen warned not to trust Moscow’s nice words. She said the West needs to stay united or risk letting Russia win more than it should.
More Than Just Ukraine
The summit’s not just about the war. Putin wants to talk nukes—specifically restarting talks on medium-range missiles. The U.S. wants Moscow to chill out on cyberattacks and military pressure near NATO countries. They might also talk about oil. Both economies are hurting, and the world’s energy markets are shaky. But don’t expect big deals. This is more a first step than a final handshake.
What Each Side Wants
Russia wants back in from the cold. If things go well, Putin might get some sanctions eased. The U.S. wants to see if talking face-to-face can work better than years of distant diplomacy. For Ukraine, this could change everything. If Trump and Putin make a deal without Kyiv, the war—and how it ends—could shift fast.
Reactions Roll In
Inside Russia, state TV is loving the praise for Trump. They say it shows the U.S. is finally listening. But not everyone’s buying it. Critics say Putin’s banking too much on Trump with no real plan. In the U.S., Trump’s allies are calling this proof he knows how to negotiate. His critics? They’re warning that Trump’s playing nice with Putin without getting any solid promises for Ukraine.
Alaska on Lockdown
Anchorage is getting ready. Police and federal agents are working together. Protesters are expected. Details are tight—only the two leaders and their top aides will be in the room. Don’t expect a signed peace deal. This is more like a test run. Are their goals even close? Can they find common ground?
Small Wins Could Matter
Even a baby step—like agreeing to talk with Ukraine next time or restarting arms talks—would be a shift. It wouldn’t end the war, but it’d change the mood. It’d show they’re at least willing to talk, not just fight.
Final Word
Putin’s public praise for Trump came out of nowhere. It adds a weird sense of hope to a really tense situation. No one knows if this summit will actually lead anywhere. But talking is better than not. For Ukraine and its allies, though, one thing is clear: peace can’t come at the cost of their independence.
