The U.S. city of Alaska is ready to host two of the world’s most powerful leaders. This is a meeting on which the geopolitical future of the world may depend. Its success could open new dimensions in Ukraine’s relations with the world. Preparations are finalised for the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. The meeting will be held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located at the northern end of Anchorage.
This location, a U.S. military base, was chosen for its high security and strategic importance. It is equipped with secure military facilities, controlled airspace, and advanced military resources.
10 American Agents, 10 Russian Agents Deployed
According to a Bloomberg report, the U.S. State Department’s protocol team is overseeing the preparations. Officials said the “reciprocity rules” are being strictly followed for the bilateral meeting. This means that every courtesy extended to one leader must match exactly for the other. Russian security personnel will monitor Putin’s immediate surroundings, while the U.S. Secret Service will maintain an outer security ring.
Neither side will open the other’s doors or ride in each other’s vehicles. If 10 American agents are stationed outside a meeting room, an equal number of 10 Russian agents will be positioned on the opposite side. A source said that every detail will be matched “body to body and gun to gun”—meaning the same number of personnel and the same number of weapons on both sides.
This symmetry will be visible from the arrival convoys to the appointment of translators inside the meeting rooms. Both sides will bring their own language teams. In a statement, the U.S. Secret Service said, “The president’s security is our highest priority.”
Russian Delegates Staying in University Dormitories
Local Alaska media is calling this the biggest international event in Anchorage’s history. But because of this meeting, there is a huge shortage of resources in Alaska. With the tourist season already underway, most hotels were already booked. Since the meeting was scheduled later, many delegates are unable to find rooms. According to local media, some Russian representatives are staying in university dormitories.
A dormitory is a college or university residence where students live and sleep, often in shared rooms with multiple beds. According to the English-language website Alaska’s News Source, on Thursday it was almost impossible to find a hotel or a rental car in Anchorage for the coming days.
Forget About Renting a Car
Hotels are already booked for the weekend, and Hotel Captain Cook’s website shows no availability. Unless you have a personal connection, renting a car is nearly impossible. Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance said, “It’s always difficult to find accommodations, rental cars, and hotel rooms for people visiting here in summer because this is such a popular place. Tourism is one of our biggest strengths. I know people are looking for creative solutions. I don’t have specific details, but I know the university is part of these discussions, and I’m hopeful we’ll find some options for people.”
The University of Alaska Anchorage confirmed that both Russian and American delegates are staying in on-campus dormitory rooms.
Ryan Buchholdt, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, said, “Besides the dormitories, we also have the Alaska Airlines Centre, where beds have been arranged to meet most of the Russian delegation’s needs. Buchholdt added, “Our main concern is ensuring that anyone staying on campus—whether from the United States, Russia, or anywhere else remains safe, can complete the mission they came here for, and return home safely.”
First the Meeting, Then Lunch
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Trump and Putin will meet face-to-face on Friday, followed by a bilateral lunch with both countries’ delegations. A press conference will be held after lunch.
Meanwhile, several flights have been restricted in Alaska for security reasons. A temporary flight restriction in Anchorage airspace has been issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for Friday between 9:15 am and 4:15 pm Alaska time.The majority of non-commercial flights from Anchorage airports will be subject to this limitation.
Protests in Alaska
During the Trump-Putin meeting, multiple groups in Alaska are planning protests in support of Ukraine. Some peace-supporting and pro-Ukraine groups in Anchorage have planned scattered banner displays, walks, or rallies. Reports suggest that protests could take place at a total of 16 locations. However, strict security measures are in place.
