Oil ticks down ahead of Trump-Putin summit in Alaska

Oil prices eased on Friday as traders awaited talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which could lead to an easing of the sanctions imposed on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Brent crude futures were down 38 cents, or 0.6%, at $66.45 a barrel 1141 a.m. ET (1541 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were 49 cents, or 0.8%, lower at $63.47.

At Friday's meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, a ceasefire in Ukraine is at the top of the agenda. Trump has said he believes Russia is prepared to end the war, but he has also threatened to impose secondary sanctions on countries that buy Moscow's oil if there is no progress with peace talks.

Putin is expected to arrive in Anchorage at 11 a.m. local time (1900 GMT). Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects the talks will bring results, Russia's Interfax news agency reported on Friday.