**US and Russia to Meet in Alaska to Discuss Ukraine Conflict**
The United States and Russia have agreed to hold a meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin next Friday, August 15th, to discuss ways to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting will take place in the US state of Alaska.
**Why is Trump Pushing for a Meeting?**
Trump has been trying to find a solution to the conflict since taking office. As a candidate, he promised to end the war within 24 hours after becoming president. However, despite three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine held at his behest this summer, there has been little progress towards peace.
**Ukraine’s President Not Invited… Yet**
The Ukrainian government was not invited to participate in the meeting, but a White House official said that Trump is willing to hold a trilateral meeting which would also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, for now, it remains a summit between Trump and Putin.
**What Do Both Sides Hope to Get Out of It?**
The US president claimed on Friday that a deal “to stop the killing” is “very close.” Russia wants to keep control of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine says it will not accept Russian control of any territories. Ukraine’s President Zelensky has dismissed the idea of handing over territory to Russia.
**Swapping Territories?**
Trump suggested that there may need to be “some swapping of territories” for Moscow and Kyiv to reach an agreement. However, this proposal is opposed by both sides, with Ukraine saying it will not reward Russia for its actions, and Russia insisting on keeping control of Crimea.
**Where Will They Meet?**
The meeting will take place in the US state of Alaska, which was a Russian territory until it became a US state in 1959. The exact location has not been released, but Trump described it as “a very popular one for a number of reasons.”
**Commentary and Analysis**
This meeting between Trump and Putin is seen as an attempt to break the deadlock in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. However, the proposal to swap territories and allow Russia to keep control of Crimea is likely to be opposed by both sides.
The meeting comes at a time when tensions are running high, with fighting ongoing on the front lines in eastern Ukraine. The US has imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, and it remains unclear whether this meeting will lead to any tangible progress towards peace.
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