On August 14, 2025, President Trump of the United States said in an interview with Fox News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show” that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday was “like playing chess.” Trump expressed his belief that Putin would reach an agreement, laying the groundwork for a potential second meeting. The President also hinted that the second meeting may involve Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Putin in Alaska on Friday. During the interview, he expressed interest in facilitating a peace agreement but was uncertain about achieving an immediate ceasefire.
The President estimated there was a 25% chance of complete failure in the upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska, but he remains hopeful that it could lead to a second meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
“This meeting sets the foundation for a second meeting,” Trump told Kilmeade.
He emphasized the importance of a second meeting and hinted at negotiations on land exchanges.
Trump described the upcoming meeting as “like a chess match.”
He also expressed his belief that by the following day, he would quickly learn Putin’s intentions regarding cooperation.
“If he doesn’t move and not work out a peace deal, I will continue to put more sanctions on Russia,” Trump warned on Wednesday about potential consequences if Putin does not agree to end the war.
Earlier that day, Putin indicated that the United States was making “sincere efforts” to end the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting the possibility of a nuclear arms agreement as part of broader peace efforts.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated in an interview with Fox News that while President Trump preferred to end the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and negotiations, he was also ready to implement sanctions and other measures.
Leavitt emphasized that diplomatic negotiations have always been the President’s approach and were also part of his response to Putin’s request for a personal meeting.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told national media on Thursday that Putin was not expected to sign any documents or agreements during his trip to Alaska.
Peskov warned against hasty actions and trying to predict outcomes, emphasizing that it would be a significant mistake.
Zelensky downplayed expectations for the Putin-Trump meeting, stating he had not seen any signs indicating Russia’s readiness to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed confidence that coordinated efforts and joint actions from Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other peace-seeking nations would compel Russia to achieve peace.
Trump also mentioned uncertainties about holding a joint press conference with Putin.
“I will hold a press conference. I don’t know whether it will be a joint press conference,” Trump said. “We haven’t even discussed that. I think perhaps it would be better to have a joint one and then separate.”
Shortly before the President’s remarks, White House spokesperson Leavitt mentioned plans for both leaders to address the media jointly. The Kremlin also indicated that Trump and Putin would hold a joint press conference.
However, Trump confirmed he would hold a press conference regardless of the format.
If the talks do not progress smoothly, Trump stated, “I will hold a press conference and announce that the war will continue, and these people will continue to shoot and kill each other terribly, which I think is a disgrace.”
Trump also said on Fox News Radio, “If the meeting goes well, I will call President Zelensky and have him come over, wherever we are planning to meet.”
He later added, “If the meeting doesn’t go well, I won’t be calling anybody. I’m going home.”