On August 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska. Washington calls it a chance to move the Ukraine war toward peace. Kyiv and Europe see more risk than hope.
Ukraine Could Be Left Out
Putin refuses to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying “conditions aren’t right.” Trump hasn’t committed. His team says Ukraine’s inclusion matters, but sources say he may meet Putin alone.
That could mean a deal where Russia keeps occupied land in the east and south for a ceasefire. For Kyiv, that’s not peace—it’s surrender.
Trump Lowers Expectations
On August 11, Trump told reporters the meeting is a “feel-out,” not a final deal. “If there’s no progress, I’ll walk away,” he said, but admitted territorial swaps are on the table. He added Ukraine’s constitution would need to approve any deal, but that didn’t calm Kyiv.
Zelensky Refuses Land-for-Peace
Zelensky says giving Russia territory only fuels more aggression. He warned any deal without Ukraine is illegitimate and unenforceable. Kyiv is pressing the West to keep sanctions and weapons flowing, warning that early concessions weaken their leverage.
Europe Pushes for Inclusion
On August 10, EU leaders met online. Germany’s Olaf Scholz and France’s Emmanuel Macron repeated that peace “cannot be decided without Ukraine.” Germany is pushing Washington to attach strong security guarantees for Kyiv.
Russia’s Demands
The Kremlin still wants:
- Recognition of Crimea and four occupied regions.
- A ban on NATO membership and foreign bases.
- Limits on Ukraine’s military.
These would secure Russia’s gains and cut Ukraine’s defenses.
What’s at Stake
For Trump, Alaska is a chance to claim a deal before the 2026 midterms. For Putin, it’s legitimacy without major concessions. For Ukraine, it’s survival.
Some in the West say a ceasefire could stop the killing now. Others warn it would only pause the war, like the failed Minsk deals.
With the summit days away, Ukraine wants firm backing. Russia is betting Trump will give more ground than past presidents. The outcome could shift the war and Eastern Europe’s balance for years.
For Kyiv, the biggest risk isn’t just losing land—it’s losing its seat at the table.
