Payam Javan: U.S. President Donald Trump departed Washington early Friday for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a U.S. military base in Alaska. The meeting, set against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, is expected to influence both European security and the conflict’s trajectory. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that decisions on territorial concessions would rest solely with Ukraine, stating, “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I’m here to get them at a table.”

The president is joined on the trip by key members of his administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Also traveling are Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley. The summit venue, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, saw rainy early morning conditions with temperatures near 53°F.

Trump underscored the significance of the talks with a post on Truth Social reading “HIGH STAKES!!!” shortly before leaving the White House at 7:32 a.m. ET. The outcome of the Alaska meeting could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of U.S.-Russia relations and the international response to the Ukraine crisis.