The White House is tempering expectations for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters, framing the meeting as a “listening exercise” rather than a negotiating session. According to Leavitt, President Trump’s primary goal is to gain a clearer understanding of how the Russia-Ukraine conflict might be brought to an end. “The President hopes to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war,” she stated.
Leavitt confirmed there will be a one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin, though no detailed schedule has been released as logistical arrangements are still underway. She also made it clear that a breakthrough is unlikely. “We don’t expect that there’s going to be some sort of ceasefire deal that’s going to come out of this, because only one party that’s involved in this war will be in the room,” she noted.
This measured tone marks a departure from Trump’s earlier style, which often included optimistic predictions of imminent agreements. In past negotiations — including earlier talks with Russia over Ukraine, and separate discussions with Iran and China — Trump had repeatedly suggested deals were close to being finalized.
Leavitt emphasized that the President will not issue ultimatums, deadlines, or threats during this meeting. This contrasts with earlier moments in his presidency, such as last month when he gave Putin a 50-day deadline to halt the war or face expanded U.S. sanctions.
She also mentioned the possibility of a follow-up meeting in Russia, an idea discussed during Trump and Putin’s first phone call in February, when they agreed to hold summits on each other’s soil.
The White House later confirmed that Anchorage will host the summit, with talks to be held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).