The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin "could be the first step" towards peace in the Ukraine conflict, Defence Secretary John Healey has said. He added that the UK were ready to "put boots on the ground" in Ukraine to reinforce a ceasefire, in the event that one is agreed.

One key party who will not be in attendance Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump said Thursday during a press conference that he hopes the summit will lead to a second meeting that would include Zelenskyy.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Alaska on Friday, with the U.S. president's hopes of sealing a ceasefire agreement on Ukraine uncertain but with a last gasp offer from Putin of a possible nuclear deal that could help both men save face.