After a Facebook video that expressed concerns on the maintenance of a half mile trail that is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project (SHRRP), the City of Salina and Friends of the River Foundation have addressed the concerns with a plan.

The 1/2 mile trail that was installed two years ago (October 28, 2023) behind the Salina Family YMCA, has seemingly not been well-maintained according to some public concerns.

Salina Parks &amp; Recreation Director Jeff Hammond stated when the trail was installed, they were looking to achieve a 'prairie grass concept and flowers' on both sides and throughout the path of the trail. The goal for the concept is to have 'minimal maintenance.'

"So far we have not achieved that," said Hammond when discussing the goal for the prairie grass and flowers concept. "It is going to take a couple more years to get that prairie concept that we are trying to go for."

The trail is being funded by the City in partnership with the&nbsp;Friends of the River Foundation.

Jane Anderson from the&nbsp;Friends of the River Foundation, stated the concept of the look can be compared to the trail at Indian Rock Park. She commented on the maintenance situation as well.

"This did get out of hand and it is going to be mowed to a low level, but the hope is that when the grasses really take hold, it will only need to be mowed several times a year," she said. "This is because the prairie grasses are supposed to be tall and are not all one species. A good example of the tallgrass prairie is in the back of Lakewood Park and parts of Indian Rock Park."

Anderson also stated they are actively working with the city's parks &amp; recreation department for mowing schedules and are creating an environment that better suits birds and wildlife as well.

"We are really trying to create a more sustainable mowing schedule for parts of the trail for the parks department, as well as creating an environment that is better for the birds and wildlife," Anderson commented.

The 1/2 mile trail behind the YMCA is part of the ongoing SHRRP, and is only the beginning of a 6.8 mile trail that will run through the&nbsp;Old Smoky Hill River Channel.

Hammond stated they plan on mowing the area of the trail starting next week.

🎥 City and Friends of the River address maintenance concerns for River Renewal Project trail

OTTAWA COUNTY - The Ottawa County Sheriff has announced to the public to be aware of ongoing search for a suspect who fled from authorities.

According to Ottawa County Sheriff, Russell Thornton on Wednesday,&nbsp;August 13&nbsp; at around 11:30 pm, a vehicle pursuit led by The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) entered into Ottawa County.

Ottawa County deputies then assisted the chase when the suspect into the county and eventually ended at Frontier Road West of 180th road, which is about two miles from the city of Bennington. The suspect's vehicle failed to cross a bridge and ended up wrecking. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the creek. 

Thornton stated that law enforcement used a drone and a K9 to track the suspect in the creek. 

However, they were unable to locate the suspect.

Ottawa County deputies stayed around the area throughout the night and morning checking the surrounding area. Several officers from the KHP assisted Ottawa County deputies and continued the search on Thursday morning.

The suspect is unknown, but Thornton said they are possibly looking for a male Hispanic or Asian with black and facial hair, wearing a white t-shirt and that he may be barefoot.&nbsp;

Both agencies are asking the public to be alert, call in any unusual activity or people that are unfamiliar to the area. Do not approach, but instead notify law enforcement and call 9-1-1.

Ottawa County deputies searching for suspect after vehicle pusuit

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday over $32.5 million in state grants to maintain and enhance services for adult and child survivors of crime. 

The state general funds were granted to nonprofit organizations providing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as child abuse and neglect.&nbsp;

“I support this use of state funds to ensure survivors of crime receive the services they need from critical organizations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Crime is not just a safety issue – it’s a public health and a quality-of-life issue. We must do our part to build a safer and more resilient Kansas together.”&nbsp;

Three categories of organizations received awards: organizations providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Children’s Advocacy Centers, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.&nbsp;

The 2026 grants for domestic violence and sexual assault services provide critical funding to organizations offering support services, outreach, and training for those serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Funding also supports vital organizational needs including transportation, shelter maintenance and improvements, and sustaining adequate staffing levels. 25 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$26,493,242.&nbsp;

Children’s Advocacy Centers are child-focused programs that bring together professionals to investigate and respond to child abuse. The grant program supports hiring and training staff to provide child-sensitive forensic interviews, advocacy for victims and non-offending caregivers, and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to improve outcomes and services across systems. 20 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$4,836,840.&nbsp;

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs recruit and train volunteers to advocate in court for abused and neglected children. These funds support staffing and volunteer training to help ensure judges have the information needed to make informed decisions for each child. 21 organizations received grants totaling&nbsp;$1,242,574.&nbsp;

The county, organization name, and grant award for each awardee are below:&nbsp;

SGF for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards by County

Children's Advocacy Centers Grant Awards by County

Court Appointed Special Advocate Programs Grant Awards by County

DVACK & CAPS of Salina among statewide nonprofits receiving grants to enhance its services

The Saline County Sheriff's Office have made an arrest from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Most Wanted for August.</a>

According to the Sheriff's Office Most Wanted suspect, Gauge Peterson was arrested. Peterson&nbsp;was taken into custody for the following requested charges:

Flee or Attempt to Elude Law Enforcement Officer.

View&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Saline County's Most Wanted list for August 2025</a>

Sheriff's announce arrest made from Saline County Most Wanted list

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is hosting a career fair on Wednesday, August 20, specifically geared for equipment operator positions in north central Kansas.

This career fair will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the KDOT office located at 3825 Yost Drive in Salina.

The event also includes facility and equipment tours, where a current KDOT equipment operator will be available to discuss the function and use of each piece of equipment.

KDOT offers a starting wage of $19.65 per hour for those without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and $21.13 per hour after obtaining a CDL.

KDOT provides CDL training at no up-front cost. 

Additional benefits include first-day insurance coverage, immediate enrollment in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and work-life balance with annual and sick leave accrual starting during the first pay period.

Equipment operators are part of KDOT’s progression program, which allows for learning and skill advancement as well as promotion opportunities.

For more information- email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOTHQ.jobapps@ks.gov">KDOTHQ.jobapps@ks.gov</a>.

KDOT to host equipment operator career fair in Salina

The Kansas Impact Coalition (KIC) has announced the launching of a "Giving Campaign" that supports an upcoming Community Pop-Up Health event. The Giving Campaign is currently running now until Tuesday, September 16.

This campaign is meant to collect&nbsp;supplies and donations to provide essential support at the&nbsp;Community Pop-Up Health event that will happen on Monday, September 29 at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church (215 S. Chicago St.) from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

During this event, the Salina Family Healthcare Center (SFHC) mobile unit will be in attendance for people to tour, get screened for a purple card on-site, receive a free blood-pressure check, obtain bus passes and have chances to make future appointments.

A purple card provided by SFHC, is a&nbsp;resource for patients seeking assistance with various healthcare-related needs. No insurance needed, but patients wishing to be screened will need to provide documentation.

Those wishing to be screened at the event will need to provide the following documentation:

Proof of Income for ALL Household Members:

Complete and current tax return if filed.

Last 3 months of proof of self-employment income OR at least 1 month's worth of current paycheck stubs (including overtime) for ALL family members in the household.

Photo ID or Birth Certificate for all Family Members in the Household.

Prior Year Tax Return: Your most recent tax return.

Medicaid Denial Letter: If you are pregnant or under 19, you may need a denial letter from SRS (now the Kansas Department for Children and Families or DCF) for Medicaid. Exceptions may be made for college students unlikely to qualify for a Medicaid card. 

Gift cards to local vendors (grocery stores, gas stations, etc.), lunch meat, bread, cheese slices, bags of apples or oranges, healthy snacks and bottled water.

The Community Pop-Up event will offer free sack lunches and gift cards to the first attendees, depending on available donations. KIC aims to serve 20 individuals and connect them with critical health and transportation resources.

Organizations that serve the Salina community are welcome to include printed materials or resources to be handed out at the event. 

OCCK will also be in attendance, offering bus passes and service information to community members.

You are welcome to email or call Miranda Bachman to coordinate drop-off or delivery of donations.

Email:&nbsp;mirandaks.impact@gmail.com

Items may also be mailed or donated through the KIC website:&nbsp;<a href="http://kansasimpactcoalition.com">kansasimpactcoalition.com</a>

<a href="https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/about">Statement from Kansas Impact Coalition</a>:

We at Kansas Impact Coalition are dedicated to empowering our community by providing essential resources, education, support, and health initiatives. We engage the community of Salina through the power of volunteering and partnership.&nbsp; We aim to create a strong and inclusive society where we all have a chance to thrive.&nbsp; Together we can build hope, inspire change, and transform lives for a better tomorrow.

Local coalition launches campaign to support community event that offers health check-ups and screenings

Across Kansas, individuals, businesses and communities are navigating a rapidly changing world. Whether searching for child care options, broadband access or economic development opportunities, Kansans need resources they can trust and tools that meet them where they are.

<a target="_blank" href="https://allthingskansas.k-state.edu/">All Things Kansas</a>, an online platform developed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>, is helping residents, business owners and local leaders make more informed decisions — faster.

The site serves as a centralized hub for county-specific data. It highlights everything from demographic and health statistics to workforce insights, education levels and infrastructure access.

The real value of All Things Kansas goes beyond numbers and charts.

"This isn't a top-down data tool — it was built with Kansans, for Kansans," said Jessica Gnad, K-State's director of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/economic-development/">Economic Development</a>. "We work with K-State Extension, our academic experts, and community leaders to ensure it reflects needs and real use cases across the state."

At its core, All Things Kansas is a free interactive website that offers a county-by-county overview of key indicators affecting local growth and quality of life.

The platform includes intuitive graphics and easy-to-navigate dashboards powered by publicly available datasets. Users can explore and compare population trends, educational attainment, workforce participation, income levels and more across all 105 counties.

For Jennifer Tidball, communications director for K-State Economic Development, the tool exemplifies the university's mission of making data accessible.

"All Things Kansas has access to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://allthingskansas.k-state.edu/map-data-list/">more than 34,000 data layers from more than 120 state and national sources</a>," Tidball said. "You could go to several different websites and find all this content yourself, but this tool saves people time by making it a one-stop shop."

The platform's design supports the university's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">Next-Gen K-State</a>&nbsp;strategic plan and reflects its commitment to advancing community vitality through engagement and innovation.

One of the platform's greatest strengths is its ability to lower the barrier of entry for users, said Greg Erickson, enterprise business intelligence and data analyst in K-State's Office of the President.

"All Things Kansas takes data that might require multiple searches across different databases and makes it as simple as typing into a search box, just like you would on Google," he said.

For the Clay Center native, the project's impact is personal.

"It just seemed like a really good project to try to get involved with," Erickson, a Clay Center native, said. "There's a shared desire to help people, help our neighbors."

This ease of use opens the door to a wide range of users—from policymakers and entrepreneurs to nonprofit leaders and grant writers.

"This data tool is now a part of the conversation when Kansans walk into congressional offices," Gnad said. "It gives decision-makers a clearer view of local challenges and opportunities — and that helps tell a more complete story of our state's economic potential."

All Things Kansas is not a static site. It's a living platform, built to grow alongside the state it serves.

Community visits and user feedback have shaped new features, added data layers and guided ongoing development, Tidball said.

"Every time we go out to communities and do demo sessions, people say, 'Hey, we have great data we'd love to add,'" Tidball said. "And we do."

Thanks to its collaborative infrastructure with the University of Missouri's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/cares">Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems</a>, the site is updated regularly with the most current data available. K-State's team works with partners like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.khi.org/">Kansas Health Institute</a>&nbsp;to visualize local challenges and opportunities.

"It's about helping Kansans make better decisions," Tidball said. "Whether you're expanding your business, applying for a grant or trying to understand broadband gaps, we want this tool to give you clarity."

The platform's flexibility makes it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Tidball shared an example of how users can explore population trends, workforce statistics, housing markets and infrastructure to identify the best location for a new business or support an expansion.

"We even have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://allthingskansas.k-state.edu/map-room/?bbox=-11400721.45%2C4397310.86%2C-10461965.17%2C4903145.55&amp;fs=1&amp;l=%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%22arcgis-light-gray%22%2C%22v%22%3A1%2C%22lb%22%3A1%2C%22b%22%3A1%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%2261193%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.7%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%2261192%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.7%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%2261197%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.7%2C%22v%22%3A1%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22r2%22%2C%22v%22%3A1%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22r8%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.4%2C%22v%22%3A1%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22r3%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.8%2C%22v%22%3A1%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%22r6%22%2C%22op%22%3A0.9%7D%5D">a map that shows business births and deaths over time</a>," she said. "It gives you an economic snapshot of what's happening in the state."

While traditional spreadsheets may leave users overwhelmed, All Things Kansas turns complex information into interactive visuals. It includes maps, dashboards and downloadable reports that are easy to use and share.

"People don't just want access to data — they want help making sense of it," Gnad said. "Our job is to turn information into action, so that Kansans can use it to grow businesses, strengthen local communities and plan for the future."

Grant writers are among the platform's most active users. According to Tidball, the ability to export custom maps and compare county reports side by side is especially powerful for rural leaders who often juggle multiple responsibilities.

"If you're one economic development director covering a whole region, you may not have time to create graphics for every grant," Tidball said. "This tool does it for you."

Beyond individual use, All Things Kansas is fostering a sense of connection across Kansas. When demonstrating the platform across Kansas, Tidball said she has seen it spark moments of community recognition and pride.

"You show a map and people say, 'Yes, that's what we're experiencing,'" she said. "It empowers them to be solution-oriented and connect with other communities doing well in that area."

And the more Kansans who use it, the more powerful the platform becomes.

"It's free. It's current. And it's built to keep growing," Tidball said. "Because when Kansans have access to the right information, we all make better decisions."

Through its many layers of customizable and comparable data, All Things Kansas doesn't just highlight challenges, Gnad said.

"It confirms the best parts of your community or challenges assumptions," Gnad said. "It helps Kansans see themselves more clearly and see each other."

Whether helping a business owner explore new markets, assisting a policymaker in identifying broadband gaps or giving a parent insights into child care supply, All Things Kansas offers a unifying solution across a diverse state.

"This is K-State showing up in those spaces to be agile and responsive to the needs of Kansans," Gnad said. "We're creating another tool in our land-grant university toolbox as we bring K-State expertise and resources directly to Kansas communities."

All Things Kansas: One powerful tool to understanding the Sunflower State

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;Greer, Savannah Cynthia-Sierra

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear (2 requested charges)

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Kilat, Christopher Opio

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Criminal restraint; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Kidnapping; Inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim

NAME:&nbsp;Rothrock, Alexander James

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting; Viol. protection order; Abuse order

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 14

“Bioharmonics,” a digital art display will open Aug. 18 at The Gallery, at Sams Hall of Fine Arts on the Kansas Wesleyan campus.

Andrew Baker, assistant professor of Graphic Design, enjoys blending traditional photography with the possibilities offered by modern digital tools.

He discovered his passion for art at a young age through his early training as a violinist, and he participates in the KWU String Orchestra.

Baker researches how visual design metaphors can teach musical concepts. The exhibit includes graphic visualizations of core musical elements, such as pitch, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, texture, form, timbre and harmony — using sign theory as a framework in the exhibit.

Baker earned his Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics, Photography and Ceramics/Sculpture from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.

This past year, he has had work displayed at The Holy Art Gallery in Paris, France; Manifest in Cincinnati; Camelback Gallery in Scottsdale, Ariz., Part Crowd Art Gallery in Toronto, and Black Box Art Gallery in Portland, Ore.

“Bioharmonics” runs from Aug 18 to Sept. 18. A reception for Baker will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12. The Gallery is free and open to the public.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New digital art display opening Aug. 18 at KWU

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/304759803960474/">Granny Brigade</a>&nbsp;has announced they will be hosting four speakers that will each discuss their charitable organizations.

On Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 pm inside the Carver Center (315 N. 2nd), four guest speakers will be in attendance to inform audience members about their charitable organization and their current needs/requests, volunteers or supplies.

Brenda Miller - Birthright of Salina

Rosie Walters - Salina Senior Center

Chad Young - Salina Rescue Mission/Salina Grace

Granny Brigade hosting four guest speakers discussing their local charitable organizations

The Kansas Highway Patrol, as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the Nonprofit Security Grant Programs (NSGP) announces a “call for applications” to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security">FY2025&nbsp;State&nbsp;NSGP&nbsp;funding opportunity</a>.

This funding opportunity is for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities for nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack. It also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness efforts, such as enhancing the protection of crowded areas.

The&nbsp;FY2025&nbsp;target allocation for the state of Kansas is $2,100,000. As always, this will be a very competitive process.&nbsp;

Each organization can request up to $150,000 per facility, with up to three facilities for a maximum of $450,000. If submitting for multiple facilities, each facility must fill out its own Investment Justification (IJ) and self-risk assessment.&nbsp;

Training and application resources can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://datacounts.net/nsgp/">https://datacounts.net/nsgp/</a>&nbsp;to help your organization achieve the best score possible.

Applications for the 2025&nbsp;NSGP&nbsp;must be submitted through the Astra System at&nbsp;<a href="https://nsgp.astrakansas.com/">https://nsgp.astrakansas.com/</a>.&nbsp;Additional functions include:

Eligible organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits as described by the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exempt-purposes-internal-revenue-code-section-501c3">IRS under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)</a>. Nonprofits can be registered 501(c)(3) organizations, or could be described as tax-exempt under <a href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/life-cycle-of-an-exempt-organization#:~:text=Organizations%20that%20meet%20the%20requirements%20of%20Internal,corporations%20are%20deductible%20under%20Code%20section%20170.">501(a) of the IRC.</a>

For more information on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and reference materials, please go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datacounts.net/nsgp">https://www.datacounts.net/nsgp</a>.

Contact:&nbsp;Lieutenant Edna Murphy, Homeland Security/Emergency Operations<a href="mailto:NSGP.KHP@KS.GOV">NSGP.KHP@KS.GOV</a>

KHP opens applications for Nonprofits to apply for federal security grant program

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 13 - August 15

After isolated scattered storms until Wednesday, heat indices are expected to reach back up to the 100's from Thursday and into the weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will remain possible areawide on Tuesday and over southeast Kansas till Wednesday. 

A return to triple digit heat indices is expected by Thursday and persisting through at least the weekend.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

Temperatures are ramping back up after a dropdown last week in Central Kansas.

According the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices throughout the Central Kansas region are expected to reach over 100 degrees. 

Areas such as Salina, Russell, Hutchinson, Wichita, Harper and Winfield are under a heat advisory for Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. 

Additional areas include Emporia, Eureka, Chanute and Coffeyville for Friday

US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) advises everyone to take precaution during these times.

Temperatures ramping back up in Central Kansas with heat indices over 100

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 1 - August 3

Three day weather forecast Salina

MEADE COUNTY —A southwest Kansas community is alerting residents after a family pet died from a rattlesnake bite.

The City of Fowler was notified of a confirmed rattlesnake bite incident involving a dog in a homeowner’s fenced backyard. According to a social media report from the city, a veterinarian confirmed a rattlesnake bite killed the dog. 

The animal was primarily kept indoors and only accessed the fenced backyard when needed. "We urge all residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure the safety of themselves, their children, and their pets."

Veterinarian confirms rattlesnake bite killed pet at Kansas home

JOHNSON COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a restaurant fire in Overland Park.

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;battled a fire at Torreador Restaurant, 79th and Floyd, according to a social media report from Overland Park Fire Department.

&nbsp;The fire was quickly extinguished. There was smoke and fire damage to the restaurant and adjoining bookstore. There were no injuries.&nbsp;

Overland Park Consolidated Fire District #2 and Lenexa Fire responded to the scene.

Crews battle fire at Kansas restaurant

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-sandwich-assault-f579ab8649ae0f40d03cd4fdb58ed5e9">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is meeting face-to-face with Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/orthodox-christians-prayers-trump-putin-alaska-dbced54d9faa7d230d3df03405491542">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;in Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes summit that could determine not only the trajectory of the war in Ukraine but also the fate of European security.

The sit-down offers Trump a chance to prove to the world that he is both a master dealmaker and a global peacemaker. He and his allies have cast him as a heavyweight negotiator who can find a way to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">bring the slaughter to a close</a>, something he used to boast he could do quickly.

For Putin, a summit with Trump offers a long-sought opportunity to try to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia’s gains, block Kyiv’s bid to join the NATO military alliance and eventually pull Ukraine back into Moscow’s orbit.

There are significant risks for Trump. By bringing Putin onto U.S. soil, the president is giving Russia's leader the validation he desires after his ostracization following his invasion of Ukraine 3 1/2 years ago. The exclusion of Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://volodymyr%20zelenskyy/">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;from the summit also deals a heavy blow to the West’s policy of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” and invites the possibility that Trump could agree to a deal that Ukraine does not want.

Any success is far from assured, especially as Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their demands for peace. Putin has long resisted any temporary ceasefire, linking it to a halt in Western arms supplies and a freeze on Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, which were conditions rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.

Trump on Thursday said there was a 25% chance that the summit would fail, but also floated the idea that if the meeting succeeds he could bring Zelenskyy to Alaska for a subsequent, three-way meeting, a possibility that Russia hasn't agreed to.

When asked in Anchorage about Trump's estimate of a 25% chance of failure, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that Russia “never plans ahead.”

"We know that we have arguments, a clear, understandable position. We will state it,” he said in footage posted to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel.

Trump said in a Fox News radio interview Thursday that he didn't know if they would get “an immediate ceasefire” but he wanted a broad peace deal done quickly. That seemingly echoes Putin’s longtime argument that Russia favors a comprehensive deal to end the fighting, reflecting its demands, not a temporary halt to hostilities.

The Kremlin said Trump and Putin will first sit down for a one-on-one discussion, followed by the two delegations meeting and talks continuing over “a working breakfast.” They are then expected to hold a joint press conference.

Trump has offered shifting explanations for his meeting goals

In the days leading up to the summit, set for a military base near Anchorage, Trump described it as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drone-strike-575aa4ce590256d50a9d73911f681269">really a feel-out meeting</a>.” But he's also warned of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-8-13-2025">“very severe consequences”</a>&nbsp;for Russia if Putin doesn't agree to end the war and said that though Putin might bully other leaders, “He’s not going to mess around with me.”

Trump’s repeated suggestions that a deal would likely involve “some swapping of territories” — which disappointed Ukraine and European allies — along with his controversial history with Putin have some skeptical about what kind of agreement can be reached.

Ian Kelly, a retired career foreign service officer who served as the U.S. ambassador to Georgia during the Obama and first Trump administrations, said he sees “no upside for the U.S., only an upside for Putin.”

“The best that can happen is nothing, and the worst that can happen is that Putin entices Trump into putting more pressure on Zelenskyy,” Kelly said.

George Beebe, the former director of the CIA’s Russia analysis team who is now affiliated with the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said there’s a serious risk of blown expectations or misunderstandings for a high-level summit pulled together so quickly.

“That said, I doubt President Trump would be going into a meeting like this unless there had been enough work done behind the scenes for him to feel that there is a decent chance that something concrete will come out of it,” Beebe said.

Zelenskyy has time and again cast doubts on Putin's willingness to negotiate in good faith. His European allies, who’ve held increasingly urgent meetings with U.S. leaders over the past week, have stressed the need for Ukraine to be involved in any peace talks.

Political commentators in Moscow, meanwhile, have relished that the summit leaves Ukraine and its European allies on the sidelines.

Dmitry Suslov, a pro-Kremlin voice, expressed hope that the summit will “deepen a trans-Atlantic rift and weaken Europe’s position as the toughest enemy of Russia.”

The summit could have far-reaching implications

On his way to Anchorage Thursday, Putin arrived in Magadan in Russia’s Far East, according to Russian state news agency Interfax.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the visit would include meetings with the regional governor and stops at several key sites, including a stop to lay flowers at a WWII-era memorial honoring Soviet-American aviation cooperation.

Foreign governments will be watching closely to see how Trump reacts to Putin, likely gauging what the interaction might mean for their own dealings with the U.S. president, who has eschewed traditional diplomacy for his own transactional approach to relationships.

The meeting comes as the war has caused heavy losses on both sides and drained resources.

Ukraine has held on far longer than some initially expected since the February 2022 invasion, but it is straining to hold off Russia’s much larger army, grappling with bombardments of its cities and fighting for every inch on the over 600-mile (1,000-kilometer) front line.

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, said U.S. antagonists like China, Iran and North Korea will be paying attention to Trump's posture to see “whether or not the threats that he continues to make against Putin are indeed credible.”

“Or, if has been the past track record, he continues to back down and look for ways to wiggle out of the kind of threats and pressure he has promised to apply,” said Kendall-Taylor, who is also a former senior intelligence officer.

While some have objected to the location of the summit, Trump has said he thought it was “very respectful” of Putin to come to the U.S. instead of a meeting in Russia.

Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin Moscow-based analyst, observed that the choice of Alaska as the summit’s venue “underlined the distancing from Europe and Ukraine.”

Being on a military base allows the leaders to avoid protests and meet more securely, but the location carries its own significance because of its history and location.

Alaska, which the U.S. purchased from Russia in 1867, is separated from Russia at its closest point by just 3 miles (less than 5 kilometers) and the international date line.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was crucial to countering the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It continues to play a role today, as planes from the base still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.

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