US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet on August 15 at Elmendorf-Richardson Military Base in Anchorage, Alaska — their first meeting in seven years. The main agenda is to explore ways to end the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
The leaders will hold a one-on-one closed-door session with only a single translator present. Discussion details will remain confidential, but both will address the media afterward.
This base last hosted a historic meeting in 1971 between US President Richard Nixon and Japan’s Emperor Hirohito — the first visit of a Japanese emperor to foreign soil.
Extraordinary Security Measures
Before Putin’s arrival, his armored limousine Aurus Senat was flown in aboard a Russian cargo plane. His team has also transported sealed water bottles and cups for the meeting. Russian fighter jets are positioned in Anadyr, just 88 km from Alaska.
Putin will be accompanied by Russia’s Federal Protective Service (FSO). The US has deployed 32,000 troops at the base, dubbed the “Ice Fortress.” Trump’s security detail includes KH-11 reconnaissance satellites and a fully air-gapped communications network for cybersecurity. A 300 km no-fly zone will be enforced, with double-layer security: military police and National Guard in the first ring, Special Forces and Secret Service counter-assault teams in the second. Air Force One will be under constant military guard.
How the Meeting Came About
During his 2023–24 campaign, Trump promised to end the Russia–Ukraine war within 24 hours of becoming president. Over six months into his term, the war continues, with Russia intensifying airstrikes. Trump gave Moscow 50 days to negotiate a peace deal, warning of tougher sanctions if no ceasefire was agreed. The deadline expired on August 8.
Two days earlier, US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow, paving the way for this Alaska summit. The White House has already said it does not expect an immediate ceasefire; the goal is to explore possible paths toward ending the war.
Why Alaska?
According to the BBC, security is the main reason. Alaska’s mainland lies just 90 km from Russia’s Chukotka region, allowing Putin to reach it without flying over “enemy” territory. The distance from Ukraine and Europe also aligns with Putin’s preference to speak directly with the US, avoiding EU or Kyiv intermediaries.
Security Risks and Strategic Stakes
Retired Indian Rear Admiral Girish Kumar Garg believes the US will ensure Putin’s safety, as any harm could severely damage US–Russia relations and impact the war. He suggests Putin’s choice to meet on American soil may indicate a willingness to improve ties with Washington.
Irreconcilable Demands
Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine — including Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia — and insists these territories must be recognized as Russian. Putin also demands Ukraine abandon plans to join NATO.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky refuses to cede any land, arguing that doing so would weaken national sovereignty and invite further aggression.