Overview

• President Trump framed the Alaska meeting as a high-stakes but exploratory session and warned it could end swiftly if Putin does not engage seriously.
• The U.S. Treasury temporarily lifted restrictions on Russian officials so they could travel to Alaska and use bank cards during the summit.
• President Putin flew via Magadan to Anchorage, highlighting both logistical challenges and the venue’s historical ties to Russia.
• The two leaders are scheduled for a private one-on-one discussion with interpreters at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, followed by a working lunch with senior advisers.
• Ukraine’s president has rejected any pressure to legitimize Russian-held territories and European capitals are pressing for Kyiv’s direct involvement in any agreement.