Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence just before a critical summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, making headlines with a single, calculated statement. Speaking from the Kremlin, Putin acknowledged the Trump administration’s “energetic” efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. His words suggested cautious optimism and hinted at the possibility of significant diplomatic breakthroughs.

The summit, set to take place in Alaska, will begin with a private meeting between the two leaders, accompanied only by translators. A working lunch will follow. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that the discussions will focus on three major issues: the war in Ukraine, trade relations, and the future of nuclear arms control agreements.

Among the most pressing concerns is the New START treaty, the final major arms reduction pact between the U.S. and Russia. It is due to expire in February 2026. In the lead-up to the summit, Trump disclosed that he had deployed two nuclear submarines near Russian waters in response to provocative comments made by Russian official Dmitry Medvedev.

European leaders are watching the summit with anxiety, wary that Trump might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions without consulting key allies. They have made last-minute efforts to influence the outcome of the talks, stressing the importance of a unified stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken a firm stand, vowing not to surrender any territory. He warned that abandoning Donbas to Russian control could trigger a “third war,” reinforcing the high stakes surrounding the summit. Zelensky’s message reflects a broader fear that Ukraine could be compromised in secretive backroom deals.

As Trump and Putin prepare to meet, the world watches closely. The outcome of this summit could reshape the future of U.S.-Russia relations — or risk escalating global tensions to new heights.