President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska’s largest military installation, for a high-profile summit aimed at addressing the war in Ukraine and broader U.S.–Russia relations.
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump expressed doubt that an “immediate ceasefire” could be reached but said he wants a comprehensive peace agreement as soon as possible. “I’ll know within the first few minutes whether it’s going to be a good meeting or a bad meeting,” he said. “If it’s bad, it will end quickly. If it’s good, we could see peace in the near future.”
Security Preparations
Hosting the summit on U.S. soil allows the Secret Service to move weapons, communications systems, and medical equipment without foreign restrictions. However, Anchorage’s limited hotels and rental cars have forced planners to bring in vehicles and resources from other parts of Alaska, with motorcade SUVs arriving by cargo plane.
“It’s peak tourist season, so hotels and cars are scarce,” Governor Mike Dunleavy told Bloomberg Television. “Holding it on base solves a lot of logistical issues.”
Security protocols are strictly balanced: Putin’s immediate security will be handled by Russian agents, while the Secret Service will form an outer protective ring. Neither side will ride in the other’s vehicles or open the other’s doors. For every American agent posted at a location, an equal number of Russian agents will stand opposite.
“The safety of the President is our highest priority,” the Secret Service said, declining to reveal operational details. Russia has yet to formally approve the complete security plan.
A B-2 stealth bomber was spotted approaching the base Thursday, underscoring the summit’s high-security atmosphere.
