Alaska summit could shape Ukraine talks

Diplomatic maneuvering quickens as Ukraine's role in talks is debated ahead of a planned Alaska summit.

Zelensky Could Attend Alaska Summit With Trump And Putin

President Donald Trump announced a summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska for Friday, a plan that European leaders say should include Ukraine and a ceasefire as a condition for any negotiations. Zelensky was not named as a participant, and the White House has not ruled out including him later, though timing remains unclear. The location of the summit has not been announced, and U.S. officials say the plan could evolve into a trilateral meeting or a bilateral one with Putin.

In a Saturday gathering hosted by the British foreign secretary and attended by European and Ukrainian officials, Western partners pressed for Ukraine's inclusion, a ceasefire, and reciprocal concessions by Russia if Ukraine makes territorial moves. A joint statement from France, Italy, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Finland framed the terms as those necessary to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and security while opposing the use of force to redraw borders.

The episode shows how fragile diplomacy can be when time is short and every side tests the other’s red lines. Including Zelensky would complicate the process but could also reassure Kyiv and its European partners that Ukraine remains at the center of any peace effort. The risk is that an appearance at Alaska could blur the line between diplomacy and concession, potentially feeding speculation about territory swaps if talks stall. Washington and its allies face a delicate balance between pressuring Russia and preserving Ukraine’s firm expectations for a ceasefire and security guarantees.

Highlights

Diplomacy moves fast, but the path to peace remains uncertain.