The US-Russia summit in Alaska is more than just a diplomatic meeting: it is a symbolic statement.
The choice of this state sends a strong message about strategic parity – the two leaders face to face, in a place where their interests literally converge.
Alaska - geography as a metaphor and political message
Alaska, located at the northern end of the American continent, is the only state that "touches" Russia across the polar expanse.
The choice of this isolated territory as the venue for the summit signals a positioning of equality between the two powers.
Furthermore, Alaska has gained increased geopolitical importance in recent years due to its untapped fossil fuel reserves.
Donald Trump has vigorously promoted the expansion of American influence in the Arctic, including through ambitious plans related to Greenland and access to oil resources.
By bringing the discussions to a region where global energy and territorial interests intersect, Trump draws attention to the real stakes and places his own image in a spectacular setting, as shown in an analysis by Sky News.
The Alaska summit is Trump's trademark: a wild and tough scene that portrays him as a courageous, unconventional, and self-assured leader.
The last meeting with a Russian leader took place in 2021
Four years have passed since the last direct meeting between an American president and a Russian one - and since then, the geopolitical landscape has changed radically.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has severed contacts at the highest level.
However, Trump claims to be in contact with all parties - Russia, Ukraine, and European leaders - and asserts that all, including Putin, want to "see peace."
Furthermore, Trump openly discusses the potential form of an agreement, mentioning even a possible "territorial exchange."
Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has repeatedly stated that he will not give up any inch of the territories annexed by Russia.
A peace agreement with tough conditions
Moscow has sent the White House a list of demands in exchange for a possible ceasefire agreement.
Trump is now trying to secure the support of Zelensky and European leaders for a potential compromise.
At this stage, he self-proclaims as the peacemaker-in-chief - the "chief negotiator of peace" - and claims credit for ending six armed conflicts since returning to the White House 200 days ago.
But if he wants to add a seventh conflict to his list of diplomatic successes, he will have, both literally and symbolically, a lot of ice to break in Alaska.