US President Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to make a deal regarding the war in Ukraine, as the threat of sanctions may have influenced Moscow’s decision to seek talks. Trump is scheduled to meet Putin in Alaska on Friday, expressing cautious optimism about brokering a peace agreement, though he is unsure if an immediate ceasefire will be achieved.
“I believe now he’s convinced that he’s going to make a deal. He’s going to make a deal, and we’re going to find out,” Trump said in an interview on Fox News Radio.
Read more: Iran’s Foreign Minister Inaugurates New Consulate in Damascus
Trump indicated he has three possible locations in mind for a follow-up meeting with Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He emphasized that a second summit would address complex boundary issues and territorial disputes, noting that Zelenskiy has insisted on not ceding occupied areas.
“The second meeting is going to be very important. This (first) meeting sets up a second meeting, but there is a 25% chance this meeting won’t succeed,” Trump added.
Read more: US Role in Intercepting Iran’s Retaliation Against Israel
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks aim to halt fighting in Ukraine while acknowledging that a comprehensive solution will take longer. Rubio noted that ongoing changes on the battlefield affect both sides’ leverage, making a ceasefire crucial.
Preparations for the Alaska summit have been rapid. Trump has reportedly spoken with Putin four times by phone and sees the in-person meeting as an opportunity to discuss possibilities for peace. Rubio said, “He sees an opportunity to talk about achieving peace. We’ll know tomorrow, probably very early in that meeting, whether something is possible or not. We hope it is.”
The outcome of the talks will ultimately depend on both Ukraine and Russia agreeing to any proposed deal.
