Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska Framed as ‘Listening Exercise’ for the President, White House
WASHINGTON – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed expectations ahead of Friday’s summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, describing it as a “listening exercise” for the president. She explained that Trump sees the meeting in these terms because only one party—Russia—is present, signaling that no immediate ceasefire deal between Moscow and Kyiv is expected.
Addressing questions on why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited, despite calls from European leaders, Leavitt noted that the meeting was initiated by Putin. She emphasized that Trump’s main objective is “to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war,” suggesting the talks are more exploratory than outcome-focused.
Leavitt also reiterated the president’s openness to a future trilateral meeting involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, signaling the administration’s long-term hope for broader negotiations aimed at securing a lasting resolution to the conflict.
