United States President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now ready to strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking in a Fox News Radio interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Thursday, Trump credited the threat of economic sanctions as a factor in Moscow’s willingness to engage.
Trump is set to meet Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday — their first face-to-face meeting since the war began. While he admitted he is “not sure” if a ceasefire can be achieved immediately, Trump said he aims to pave the way for a broader peace agreement.
“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.
The US president revealed he is considering three potential locations for a follow-up meeting involving himself, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said the simplest option would be to remain in Alaska for a three-way summit.
“Depending on what happens with my meeting, I’m going to be calling up President Zelensky and let’s get him over to wherever we’re going to meet,” Trump said.
Trump suggested that a second meeting would focus heavily on disputed boundaries — an issue on which Zelensky has firmly refused to concede territory currently occupied by Russian forces.
“I don’t want to use the word ‘divvy things up’, but to a certain extent, it’s not a bad term,” Trump noted. “There will be give and take as to boundaries, lands, etc.”
Putin, meanwhile, told top Russian officials earlier on Thursday that the US was making “energetic and sincere efforts” to stop hostilities and build long-term peace, including discussions on nuclear arms control.
European diplomats have voiced concerns that any US-Russia deal could cement Moscow’s control over about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, potentially encouraging further Russian aggression.
The Alaska summit comes as Ukraine faces one of its most difficult moments since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. Trump has also warned Putin of “severe consequences” — including tougher sanctions — if the talks fail.