Trump Predicts Two-Minute Verdict on Ukraine Peace Deal Ahead of Putin Summit
US President Donald Trump has voiced strong optimism before his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he will know in “the first two minutes” whether a deal to end the Ukraine war is possible. The meeting, scheduled for Friday in Alaska, is being framed as a preliminary “feel-out” session.
Trump’s remarks came during a White House briefing primarily called to announce a federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police force to combat crime.
“At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” he said. “It’ll be good, but it might be bad. I may say, ‘Lots of luck, keep fighting,’ or I may say, ‘We can make a deal.’”
Putin’s Goals and Ceasefire Push
While Trump is pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Putin is expected to seek consolidation of the territorial gains he has made since launching the invasion in February 2022. The US administration has not confirmed whether Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend, despite earlier suggestions from the White House. Zelensky is reportedly unlikely to join the Alaska talks.
Trump has avoided committing to pressing for Zelensky’s direct participation but hinted that a subsequent meeting could involve all three leaders — or just Putin and Zelensky separately.
Trump’s Past Stance on Zelensky
Since returning to the White House, Trump has often criticized Zelensky, even suggesting the Ukrainian leader acts like a dictator due to Ukraine’s decision not to hold elections during wartime. Despite this, Trump has also expressed frustration at Putin for not treating US-led ceasefire initiatives more seriously.
Key Highlights:
- Trump said he will know “within the first two minutes” if a deal to end the Ukraine war can be made.
- The meeting in Alaska is set for Friday and is described as a “feel-out” session.
- He told reporters the outcome could go either way:
- “Lots of luck, keep fighting,” or
- “We can make a deal.”
- Putin is expected to seek consolidation of territorial gains made since the February 2022 invasion.
- The White House had earlier floated the idea of inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but he is unlikely to attend.
- Trump hinted at a possible three-way meeting in the future with Putin and Zelensky.
- Since returning to office, Trump has criticized Zelensky for not holding elections during the war.
- Despite this, Trump has shown frustration at Putin for not taking US ceasefire efforts seriously.
What’s at Stake
Global leaders will closely watch to see if Trump’s two-minute judgment leads to progress or deadlock
This will be the first direct Trump-Putin meeting since Trump’s return to the White House.
The talks could either open the door to ceasefire negotiations or deepen the current stalemate.
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