U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism ahead of their Friday summit in Alaska aimed at ending the Ukraine war. Trump said Putin seemed “convinced” about making a deal, while Putin praised Trump’s “sincere efforts” for peace. A breakthrough could help India avoid a looming 25% U.S. tariff on Russian oil imports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend the summit but stressed that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation.” Western European leaders gave tentative backing, urging talks in the context of a ceasefire. Discussions may also cover nuclear arms control and trade.