Arctic Diplomacy: Trump and Putin's High-Stakes Alaska Summit

In a pivotal and potentially transformative summit, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened in Alaska on Friday. The meeting, staged at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, is set against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This high-stakes diplomatic encounter, which marked the leaders' first meeting on US soil, symbolizes a bid to address long-standing issues between the nations and explore pathways to peace in Ukraine. Trump, who has faced criticism for his transactional brand of diplomacy, seeks to cement his image as a capable negotiator on the world stage.

While some express optimism, others question the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from crucial discussions with potential ramifications for Ukraine's future. The event's location, steeped in historical symbolism, underscores the gravity and complexity of the issues at hand.

(With inputs from agencies.)