“The awaited meeting between me, as the U.S. President, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia will occur next Friday, August 15, 2025, in Alaska. Further information will be provided,” Trump shared on Truth Social Friday night.

U.S. officials, with Trump’s involvement, have informed European and Ukrainian leaders about a proposal from Putin to stop the Ukraine war. This involves Kyiv making considerable territorial compromises, according to briefed Western officials.

But Trump on Friday downplayed those concerns, saying he’d urged Zelensky to smooth the path toward an agreement.

“He’s working on securing what he needs,” Trump remarked. “He’s not allowed to do certain things. I told him, ‘Well, get it quickly, because we are nearing a deal.'”

Earlier, Trump vowed to impose new sanctions on Russia if Putin didn’t cease military actions in Ukraine by Friday. However, he adopted a softer approach on Thursday, stating in the Oval Office, “It will depend on (Putin)” whether the Friday deadline is enforced.

When CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked Thursday if Zelensky must meet Putin before Trump and Putin meet, Trump replied, “No, he doesn’t.”