Alaska's energy resources could be up for discussion at Friday's meeting between Trump and Putin, according to a report.

The Russian leader senses a chance for more international recognition, while his American counterpart hopes to play peacemaker.

Putin "plays with the desire of the U.S. administration to bring peace to Ukraine," Zahorodniuk said. "Putin wants to get the U.S. on their side to get all Donbas, something they cannot achieve without losing another few hundred thousand people and a year of time."