Overview

• The Alaska summit is confirmed for Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, beginning with a private one-on-one session with only translators before delegations meet and hold a joint press conference
• Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European officials are not part of the initial talks, prompting calls for their inclusion in any follow-up negotiations
• Trump warned of “very severe consequences” if Putin refuses to halt the war and is exploring a possible second meeting involving Zelenskyy
• Analysts and European leaders express skepticism that a one-on-one meeting without Ukraine can produce a durable ceasefire or fair settlement
• Ukrainian and Western officials report ongoing Russian military operations, including drone strikes and force buildups, which complicate prospects for an immediate truce