Trump Sets Low Expectations Ahead of Alaska Summit With Putin

President Donald Trump has set minimal expectations for his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, telling reporters he will judge within minutes whether a deal can be reached and could walk away if talks fail. With no cease-fire requirement, security guarantees, or prearranged agenda, the hastily organized meeting has drawn concern from Ukraine and NATO allies, who fear the talks could result in concessions undermining Kyiv’s sovereignty.

“I’m Going to See What He Has in Mind”

Speaking at a White House news conference, Trump described potential “land swaps” and dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s insistence that Ukraine’s Constitution bars giving away territory to Russia. Trump mistakenly said he was “going to Russia” before clarifying the meeting location as Alaska, a U.S. state since 1867.

Trump, who has spoken with Putin at least five times since January, said he would determine if an agreement was “fair” but offered no conditions, such as halting attacks during talks. He emphasized his deal-making skills, adding, “I make deals,” and hinted at his ambition for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Allies Sound Alarm Over Concessions

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged that any negotiation must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty, military independence, and NATO’s presence on its eastern flank. He stressed that talks should focus not only on territory but also on security guarantees and Ukraine’s right to choose its geopolitical future.

European officials, unable to attend the Alaska summit, arranged a pre-meeting video call with Trump to influence his stance. Zelensky warned that Trump could be misled by Putin’s proposals if not anchored in firm security commitments.

U.S. Aid to Ukraine in Question

Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the administration intends to end U.S. funding for Ukraine’s war effort, saying any arms transfers would need to come from European allies. This marks a shift from Washington’s previous bipartisan commitment to arming Kyiv.