The White House is downplaying expectations for the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place this Friday, August 15, in Alaska. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has characterized the meeting as a “listening exercise,” a notable shift from earlier suggestions that a deal to end the war in Ukraine could be imminent.
During a press briefing, Leavitt stated that because only one party to the conflict will be present, the meeting is intended for President Trump to gain a “more firm and better understanding” of how to potentially bring the war to an end. This sentiment was echoed by President Trump himself, who, at a recent news conference, referred to the talks as a “feel-out meeting,” adding, “I may leave and say ‘good luck,’ and that’ll be the end.” This more cautious outlook comes as Russia has reportedly made significant battlefield gains in eastern Ukraine.
The summit, which will be Putin’s first trip to the United States in a decade, has drawn concern from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and some European allies. Zelenskyy voiced his concern over the talks, stating that he does not know what will be discussed without Ukraine’s presence and that “Ukrainian issues should be discussed by at least three people.” A senior European diplomat, speaking anonymously, described the lowered expectations as “good news,” suggesting that a one-on-one meeting with Trump is already a victory for Putin, as it helps to end his international isolation.
