White House: Trump-Putin Alaska Meeting Is a "Listening Exercise"

The White House stated on Tuesday that the upcoming summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska will be a "listening exercise" for the US President, tempering expectations of a quick ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt noted that "only one of the two parties involved in this war will be present," referring to the absence of Ukraine. She clarified that Trump's primary goal is "to once again get a greater and better understanding of how to end this war." Leavitt confirmed the face-to-face meeting will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, and did not rule out future travel to Russia for further talks.

The summit comes amidst fundamental disagreements, with Trump having previously suggested that a peace deal might require both sides to cede territory to end the conflict. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that his country's constitution prohibits such an agreement, and any arrangements made without Ukraine's participation would be unacceptable.

While the White House declined to comment on the specifics of the talks between Trump and Zelensky, Trump has hinted that Zelensky might be invited to a future meeting with Putin. Leavitt added that "the President has great respect for both parties involved in this conflict and is trying to end it," in an attempt to emphasize the neutrality of the US position.