Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised what he called the United States’ “sincere efforts” to end the war in Ukraine. He also suggested that the leaders could discuss nuclear arms control when he meets US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday. Meanwhile, European leaders urged Trump to hold a firm line.

Putin’s View and the Nuclear Angle

First, Putin told his top ministers and security team that the United States was trying to stop the fighting and reach broad deals. He said, “United States is making, in my opinion, quite energetic and sincere efforts to stop the hostilities, stop the crisis and reach agreements that are of interest to all parties involved in this conflict”. He added that such efforts could set the stage for long-term peace. Moreover, he said progress must include agreements on controlling strategic offensive weapons. He stated this would be “in order to create long-term conditions for peace between our countries, and in Europe, and in the world as a whole - if, by the next stages, we reach agreements in the area of control over strategic offensive weapons.” Therefore, Putin signalled that nuclear arms control will form part of a wider security conversation at the summit. The meeting marks the first time a Russian and a US president will meet since June 2021.

Concerns in Europe and Warnings to Trump

At the same time, Ukraine’s allies in Europe rushed to stop any deal that might divide Ukraine or leave it exposed to future attacks. In fact, a senior eastern European official told Reuters that Putin may try to distract Trump with offers on nuclear talks or business projects. The official warned, “We hope Trump won’t be fooled by the Russians, he understands all (these) dangerous things.” Furthermore, the same source said bluntly: “The only strategic goal for the Russians is not to receive new sanctions, and to lift the sanctions that the US and others (imposed) previously. The Russians have no other big goals now. They think they will find a way to take all of Ukraine in one way or another.”

Talks on Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Meanwhile, allies of Ukraine said Trump sounded open to offering security guarantees for Kyiv. They said he showed this willingness during a last-minute virtual call with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy said, “Yesterday, together with all our partners, and today in a bilateral format, we discussed expectations for the meeting in Alaska and possible prospects.”
He added, “We also discussed in considerable detail the security guarantees that can make peace truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killings and engage in genuine, substantive diplomacy.” Thus, allies saw a possible opening for stronger US backing of Ukraine’s security though details remain unclear.

NATO’s Role and What Trump Said

In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron reported that Trump told European leaders he did not want NATO included in post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. Macron quoted Trump: “President Trump also stated this clearly, saying things that I find important: namely, that Nato should not be part of these security guarantees - and we know this is a key point, particularly for the Russian side - but (also) that the United States and all willing allies should be part of them. That is what we are committed to.” Meanwhile, a European official told Reuters that Trump appeared ready to offer some form of security guarantees for Europe. However, the official did not detail what those guarantees would involve. They said this was the clearest sign of intent they had seen since earlier coalition talks began.

Stakes, Warnings and Possible Consequences

The summit comes at a critical moment for Ukraine. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since Russia’s full invasion in February 2022. On Wednesday, Trump warned that there would be “severe consequences” if Putin does not agree to stop the war. He also said he might press for economic sanctions if the talks fail. However, Russia is likely to push back hard against Ukraine’s and Europe’s demands. Moscow says its position has stayed the same since Putin outlined it in June 2024. A Kremlin aide said the leaders will also discuss the “huge untapped potential” for Russia-US economic ties, alongside ways to end the war.

Frontline Developments and the Risk of Land Swaps

On the battlefield, Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces advanced about 9–10 km near Dobropillia in Donetsk this week. Ukraine has moved reserves to try to steady the front. Meanwhile, Trump suggested a deal might include a so-called “land swap.” Yet Zelenskyy and European leaders fear that any arrangement trading territory for peace would reward years of Russian aggression. Consequently, they warn such a deal could encourage further moves westward into Europe.