Putin Hints at U.S.-Russia Cooperation in Arctic LNG; Trump Engages Allies on Ukraine Talks as Moscow Expresses Flexibility

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is in talks with Washington about potential energy cooperation in the Arctic--specifically in Russia’s Arctic zone and the U.S. state of Alaska. 

The comments came during Putin’s meeting with nuclear industry workers, where he noted Russia’s leadership in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology and active collaboration with both European and Asian partners.

Image Source: New York Post on X

Putin named Novatek, Russia’s leading LNG producer, as one of the companies already working with international stakeholders. He emphasized that discussions with American counterparts are underway and could extend to joint projects in both Arctic territories. 

“We are discussing with our American partners the possibility of working together in this field, not only in our Arctic zone but also in Alaska,” said Putin, adding that Russia possesses unique LNG technologies that have drawn international interest, including from U.S. firms.

These developments arrive just days after Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15. 

The summit was followed by a multilateral dialogue in Washington on August 18, during which Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

During the Washington gathering, Trump initiated a call with Putin to discuss potential paths forward on Ukraine, including the possibility of a future meeting between Putin and Zelensky. 

Trump described the relationship between the two as “like oil and vinegar,” but added he hoped they would engage directly without his involvement if possible.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later confirmed to NBC News that no such meeting is currently scheduled. “Putin will be ready to meet with Zelensky if the agenda for the summit is prepared. This agenda is not ready at all,” Lavrov said.

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, both Putin and Trump supported continued direct consultations between Moscow and Kyiv, including the prospect of elevating the status of negotiating delegations. 

Lavrov added that Russia had agreed to show “flexibility” on several issues Trump raised during their Anchorage summit, signaling a shift toward dialogue under the right conditions.

However, Lavrov also revealed that Zelensky rejected all of Trump’s proposed principles during their Washington discussions. 

These included, notably, the exclusion of NATO membership for Ukraine and the initiation of territorial status talks--both long-standing points of contention.

“Zelensky said no to everything,” Lavrov stated, characterizing Ukraine’s position as uncompromising.

While the prospect of a direct Putin-Zelensky summit remains elusive, the recent diplomatic flurry--anchored by Trump’s dual engagements with Moscow and Kyiv--suggests a potential recalibration of international efforts to shape the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict. 

Whether these overtures yield a tangible path to resolution remains uncertain, but they reflect ongoing attempts by major powers to test the waters for a broader realignment.