Upcoming Putin-Trump Summit: 4 Key Topics in Focus

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15 (local time). This will mark the first face-to-face meeting between the Russian and American leaders since June 2021.

Based on information released by various parties, the two leaders are expected to coordinate positions on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, discuss long-term solutions to the Ukraine crisis, and explore ways to improve bilateral relations during this meeting.

1. Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire
Reports indicate that President Trump stated during a video conference with European leaders on the 13th that his goal in meeting Putin is to "secure a ceasefire in Ukraine." Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov also noted on the 14th that the central topic of the upcoming summit would be resolving the Ukraine crisis.

2. Long-term Solutions to the Ukraine Crisis
Ushakov previously mentioned that the leaders would discuss long-term solutions to the Ukraine crisis during their talks.

Trump had earlier referenced a potential Russia-Ukraine peace agreement that might involve "exchanging some territories" between the two sides, suggesting this could help end the conflict. However, on the 13th, he clarified that the meeting with Putin "will not discuss any possible territorial divisions."

3. Normalization of Russia-U.S. Relations
Ushakov stated on the 14th that, in addition to the Ukraine crisis, the two sides would discuss bilateral cooperation in economic and global security matters.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov previously expressed hope that the summit would provide new momentum for normalizing relations, including resolving issues like the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

4. Arctic Development Cooperation
According to multiple Russian media outlets, Putin may propose in-depth cooperation projects between Russia and the U.S. in the Arctic during the meeting. These initiatives aim to boost economic development in Russia’s Arctic and Far East regions while seeking opportunities to break the deadlock between the two countries within the Arctic Council framework.