The two leaders are meeting in-person for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Orthodox Christians across Alaska have been taking part in three days of prayer for peace ahead of Friday’s summit there between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which will focus on the war in Ukraine.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy explained to Newsweek what he saw as the geopolitical significance of the high-stakes meeting being in his state.