What to Expect from Trump's High-Stakes Meeting with Putin in Alaska

Trump's Anticipation for the Alaska Summit

In Washington, President Donald Trump has indicated that his forthcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska carries a 25% chance of failing. During a recent interview with Fox News Radio, Trump likened the encounter to 'a chess game,' expressing his belief that Putin aims to make headway on the Russia-Ukraine situation.

He mentioned that if the meeting yields positive results, it could pave the way for a subsequent meeting that would also involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

On Wednesday, Trump cautioned that Russia would face 'very severe consequences' should Putin decline to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.

Trump expressed confidence that Putin is approaching the summit with a desire to negotiate a resolution to the war in Ukraine. 'I believe now he’s convinced that he’s going to make a deal. He’s going to make a deal. I think he’s going to. And we’re going to find out, I’m going to know very quickly,' Trump stated during his Fox Radio appearance.

Despite White House officials earlier characterizing the meeting as merely a 'listening exercise,' Trump maintained high expectations.

He also hinted at the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Zelensky, suggesting that 'three different locations' are being considered, including the option of 'staying in Alaska.'

However, Trump added a crucial caveat: 'If it’s a bad meeting, I’m not calling anybody, I’m going home... But if it’s a good meeting, I’m going to call President Zelensky and the European leaders.'

When asked if he would propose economic incentives to Russia during the discussions, Trump was noncommittal. 'Well, I’d rather not say because I don’t want to play my hand in public, but whatever my hand is, economic incentives and disincentives, maybe, are more important, in a way, but incentives economically, you know,' he remarked.