Air Force One landed in Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday ahead of a high-profile meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the White House, the encounter will not be a one-on-one, but a three-way meeting with Trump joined by Senator Marco Rubio and businessman Steve Witkoff.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that there is “nothing binding” about the talks, adding that he does not know what would make the summit a success. “I want certain things. I want a ceasefire,” he said, stressing that he would not be satisfied without quick progress. The U.S. president added that Europe and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also be involved in efforts to end the violence. “I want the killing to stop,” he said.
Preparations were underway in Anchorage for the joint press conference that will follow the meeting. In recent days, there had been uncertainty over whether such a press event would take place. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed it will happen after a bilateral lunch attended by delegations from both countries.
International media reported that a Russian government plane had arrived in Alaska earlier, though it was not immediately clear whether it carried President Putin.
The meeting — and the public statements expected afterward — are being closely watched for signs of progress toward a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts.
