The one-on-one format sought by the Kremlin maximizes the advantage of Putin’s experience and sets the stage for a well-worn playbook of half measures to drag out negotiations.

A potential later meeting between the presidents of Ukraine, Russia and the US will be “more important”, Trump adds.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin head to Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes summit as the U.S. seeks a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.