Muscat: The world is heading toward a historic summit in Alaska this Friday, where U.S. President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, among other key issues. The meeting comes amid cautious expectations and mixed statements from both sides, as well as European concerns over a potential settlement at Kyiv's expense. According to Oman News Agency, President Trump described the meeting as "exploratory," stressing that it would determine whether there is serious intent to reach an agreement to end the war. He hinted that a solution could involve a "land swap" between Russia and Ukraine-a proposal that has provoked Kyiv's ire. For its part, Moscow has expressed readiness to cede some territories in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions in exchange for Ukraine recognizing Russian control over Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Sources close to the Kremlin suggest this proposed exchange represents a significant concession from the Russian side and could be announced during the summit. Ukraine and several European countries have voiced concerns over an agreement being reached without their involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, "Any decision against us, any decision without Ukraine, is also a decision against peace," asserting that Ukrainians "will not give up their land." In this context, President Trump held a virtual meeting with European and Ukrainian leaders in preparation for the summit to coordinate positions. A White House official stated that Trump is open to Zelensky's participation, but current preparations are focused on a bilateral meeting with the Russian president. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said any future peace agreement cannot include legal recognition of Russia's control over Ukrainian territories, though it might involve de facto acknowledgment. Meanwhile, analysts Peter Rough and Jan Kasaap Oglu, in an analysis published by The National Interest, noted that Putin, during his meeting last week with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, sought to avert impending U.S. sanctions by proposing a path forward in Ukraine. Reports suggest Putin agreed, in exchange for Ukraine's withdrawal from Donetsk, to halt the war along the current frontlines. President Trump reportedly considered Putin's proposal significant enough to approve the Russian leader's long-standing request for a presidential summit. This summit will mark the first bilateral meeting between the two leaders during Trump's second term, lending it particular importance amid ongoing tensions in international relations.