U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting today in Elmendorf–Richardson military base, Alaska, in what is being described as a historic diplomatic encounter aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The location is seen as both symbolic and neutral, given Alaska’s strategic position between East and West. Discussions are expected to focus primarily on a potential ceasefire agreement and long-term solutions for the conflict that has shaken Europe and the world since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
However, analysts remain skeptical that the Western Balkans—and particularly Kosovo—will feature in the talks. Experts say the urgent situation in Ukraine will dominate the agenda, leaving little room for regional issues.
Political analyst Dritero Arifi told Telegrafi that while the meeting is between “two superpowers deciding on spheres of influence,” the Balkans is unlikely to be addressed now, though it could enter future discussions if geopolitical reorganization occurs.
Similarly, political affairs expert Afrim Hoti said he does not expect Kosovo or the Balkans to be discussed, given the focus on the Russia–Ukraine peace process. Still, he noted that recent U.S.-mediated successes, such as Trump’s involvement in the Azerbaijan–Armenia conflict, could serve as a model for future Balkan negotiations.
The Russia–Ukraine war—Europe’s largest armed conflict since World War II—has seen Russia accused of war crimes, including massacres in Bucha and the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over these actions.
