Trump: “Second Meeting with Putin and Zelensky Will Be More Important”

Kokcha News Agency – U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken about his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that a second meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be more important. Trump also suggested that he might invite some European leaders to the second round of talks.

Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet tomorrow in Alaska at 10:30 PM Turkey time. The U.S. President stated that Putin is eager to reach an agreement, adding, “The threat of sanctions against Russia may have influenced Putin’s decision to meet.”

Trump mentioned that he would call Zelensky for a second meeting but added, “If the first meeting goes badly, I won’t call anyone.”

The U.S. President also announced that he would hold a press conference after the meeting, though it remains unclear whether there will be a joint press event with Putin.

“Second Meeting Will Be More Important”
Trump highlighted the significance of the Alaska meeting for Russia but stressed that the second meeting with Putin and Zelensky would be more crucial. “I think Putin and Zelensky will make peace,” Trump said, adding, “It’s possible that we’ll invite some European leaders to the second meeting with Putin and Zelensky.”

Statements from Both Sides
The Kremlin stated that no document is expected to be released following the Alaska meeting. “Trump is demonstrating an unprecedented approach to solving the most complex issues. These actions are highly appreciated by Moscow and Putin. It would be wrong to predict the outcomes of the Russia-U.S. summit in Alaska,” the Kremlin said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented, “The U.S. will do everything for peace in Ukraine. We are hopeful about the Trump-Putin meeting, but peace depends on Russia and Ukraine.”

Peskov: “Returning to Normal Relations is Difficult”
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled that Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Russia on August 6 and was received by Putin. Peskov described the meeting as productive and comprehensive, stating, “Some signals were given, and some were received. This paved the way for the summit.”

Peskov noted that the Putin-Trump meeting was organized quickly but that all preparations were thorough. He emphasized, “The Americans previously severed relations with Russia, so returning to normal relations is difficult.”

Peskov also confirmed that a joint press conference is expected after the meeting, but no document will be signed. “Putin will share the agreements reached and the framework of understanding,” he said.

Details of the Historic Summit
The fourth summit between Trump and Putin is set to take place at Elmendorf–Richardson Base in Anchorage. Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov highlighted the symbolic significance of the location, noting that Soviet soldiers’ graves are nearby.

The meeting will begin at 10:30 PM Turkey time, with leaders first holding a face-to-face discussion with interpreters, followed by a session with delegations from both countries. The talks will continue with a working breakfast, and a press conference is expected afterward.

Ushakov stated that the main topics of the summit will be the Ukraine war and international security, with discussions also expected on trade and economic cooperation.

Preparation for the Summit
Both sides are finalizing preparations for the summit. The Kremlin announced that Putin held a meeting with Russian officials in preparation for the talks. Putin praised the U.S. administration’s energetic and sincere efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis, stating, “The U.S. administration is striving to create long-term peace conditions in our countries, in Europe, and around the world.”