During a press conference on his security measures in the American capital, Trump said, “I will meet with Putin. I will travel to Russia on Friday. I do not like staying here (in Washington) and talking about how insecure, dirty, and disgusting it is. Graffiti has covered this once beautiful capital.”
Later, American media reported, citing White House sources, that President Donald Trump misspoke when he said he would “go to Russia next Friday.” Russian Presidential Assistant Yuri Ushakov stated on Saturday that “it makes perfect sense for our delegation to fly across the Bering Strait, and for such an important and anticipated summit between the two countries’ leaders to be held in Alaska.”
Earlier on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Despite the numerous issues expected to be discussed between the presidents, primarily the Ukrainian file, it is anticipated that several understandings could be reached, especially given the intersecting interests of the two countries in the region, the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on the Middle East situation, and the Palestinian issue, which is a focal point of tensions in the region.
Experts expect that many issues in the region could move towards resolution if an understanding is reached between Putin and Trump in the near term, although this matter will not be settled from the first meeting.
