Russian President Vladimir Putin struck an optimistic chord Thursday on the eve of his summit in Alaska with President Trump, calling the U.S. commander in chief “energetic and sincere” about reaching peace in Ukraine.

Before heading to Anchorage, Mr. Putin convened with advisers “to inform you about … the negotiation process on the Ukrainian crisis,” according to a translated readout of the conversation.

Mr. Putin said his American counterpart “is making, in my opinion, quite energetic and sincere efforts to stop the fighting, stop the crisis and reach agreements that are of interest to all parties involved in this conflict.”

The Russian president said Mr. Trump’s effort could “create long-term conditions of peace between our countries and in Europe, and in the world as a whole,” adding that negotiations could be extended to offensive weapons treaties.

That suggests Mr. Putin could approach the U.S. about reaching a deal on nuclear arms control as part of the peace talks.

In 2023, Russia suspended participation in New START, its last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the U.S.

Mr. Trump has been keen on nuclear arms control and securing an agreement similar to START.

The high-stakes meeting comes at a pivotal moment in Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine. It has increased its offensive maneuvers, but Mr. Trump has warned Moscow that it faces serious consequences, including severe secondary tariffs, if it doesn’t end the fighting and make peace.

Both leaders will meet at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage beginning at 11:30 a.m., according to a Russian state-run news agency.