Former President Donald Trump’s social media team shared multiple images of him boarding Air Force One ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit, the first between U.S. and Russian leaders since 2021, is expected to focus on ending the war in Ukraine. Many online supporters praised Trump’s efforts, expressing hope for peace and concern for his safety.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated a strong warning to Putin: if Russia disrupts the Ukraine peace process, it will face “very severe” economic consequences. Trump emphasized his desire for peace and stressed the importance of stopping the war and the ongoing loss of life.

Trump noted that Russia was bringing several business representatives to the meeting, a sign he interpreted as a willingness to do business—contingent on resolving the conflict. He expressed optimism, saying there was mutual respect and that progress could be made, especially if Russia sees economic opportunity in a stable relationship with the U.S.

When asked about the possibility of the U.S. and European countries offering Ukraine security guarantees outside of NATO, Trump acknowledged the potential but said it would depend on the outcome of the discussions. He framed his involvement as that of a facilitator, not a negotiator for Ukraine, emphasizing that Ukraine must make its own decisions.

Trump also addressed the potential discussion of territorial swaps, saying that while it would be discussed, the ultimate decision lies with Ukraine. He claimed that under his leadership, Russia had been deterred from taking over Ukraine and warned that if Putin refused a deal, Russia would suffer harsh economic penalties.

In conclusion, Trump framed his role as a peace-seeking leader acting out of responsibility rather than personal interest. He stressed that he was engaging in diplomacy to save lives and prevent further escalation of the conflict.