Opposition figure warns Trump-Putin Alaska talks face ‘extremely difficult’ challenges

Opposition politician Gia Japaridze has said the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska presented major risks, describing Putin as “caught between two fires” and warning that any solution acceptable to Moscow would be highly complex for both sides.

Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the Alaska talks, Japaridze said the continuation of the war in Ukraine was a particularly negative scenario for Putin. He added that the Russian president’s position also complicated matters for Trump, who “must seek an outcome with minimal risk” while ensuring Moscow agreed to any proposed solution.

“The location of the meeting is significant,” Japaridze said. “It is internationally recognised that Putin is wanted by international courts. Many countries’ territories would be unsuitable for a face-to-face meeting. Holding the talks on US soil, at a military base, sends a strong message and provides maximum security.”

Japaridze highlighted that while Western leaders, including the US and Ukrainian presidents, aimed for a rapid ceasefire, the situation was more complicated for Putin. “The decision he made in February 2022 put Russia in a difficult position. The continuation of the war is a bad scenario for him, and being caught between two pressures also adds headaches for President Trump. Finding a solution acceptable to Russia that carries minimal risk is extremely challenging,” he said.

The Alaska meeting, set to begin at 11:30 local time (23:30 Tbilisi time), will be followed by a joint press conference.