When U.S. President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, he’ll be joined by a high-profile delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The White House released the full list of attendees, highlighting Rubio’s role as Trump’s “right-hand man” and key voice in foreign policy. Other members include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Witkoff, a longtime Trump associate and dubbed the “Putin whisperer,” has met with the Russian leader multiple times this year. Trump is expected to personally greet Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The summit, the most significant U.S.-Russia diplomatic engagement since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, will not include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Putin has praised Trump’s “sincere efforts” toward peace and suggested strategic arms agreements could be part of future negotiations. However, no official documents are expected to be signed during the summit, according to both U.S. and Russian officials.

Meanwhile, the economic backdrop looms large. Trump has threatened secondary sanctions on nations like India that continue importing Russian oil. Starting in late August, he plans to impose a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the U.S., warning that ongoing trade with Moscow could carry significant consequences.

Expectations are high for the summit, with the possibility of a joint press conference, though that remains uncertain. Putin has expressed hope for lasting peace and hinted that progress on nuclear arms control may emerge from the Alaska meeting.