Alaska: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska later today to discuss a potential ceasefire. According to Indian Standard Time, the meeting will take place around midnight Friday, while in U.S. time, talks are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. This marks the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump assumed office for a second term. The discussions will be held at the U.S. Air Force’s Elmendorf Air Force Base, a key military installation in Alaska.
President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any business engagement with Russia is contingent on a ceasefire. Speaking to the media before departing for Alaska aboard Air Force One, he stated that the initial focus would be on ending the conflict, and only thereafter would trade and business discussions take place. Trump also cautioned that the talks could end quickly if progress on a ceasefire is not achieved.
President Putin departed Russia yesterday, traveling via Magadan to Alaska. The journey from Russia to Magadan takes approximately eight hours, followed by a four-hour flight to Alaska. Due to time zone differences, Putin will be present twice on Friday according to local times. While Trump has publicly commented on the meeting multiple times, Putin has so far remained silent.
The outcome of the Trump-Putin meeting is expected to have far-reaching implications beyond Ukraine. A ceasefire agreement could strengthen U.S.-Russia relations and ease global trade tensions, including tariffs affecting countries like India. Conversely, if Putin refuses a ceasefire, the U.S. has indicated the possibility of increased tariffs, which could have economic repercussions for several nations..