Ukraine must sit at the table in Alaska talks

European leaders press that Kyiv must sit at the table in any peace talks with Russia, as the White House signals openness to Ukraine joining discussions with Putin in Alaska.

Europe demands Kyiv be included in talks with Russia after Alaska summit

European leaders from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission issued a joint statement insisting that peace talks with Russia must include Kyiv. The White House said President Trump is open to Ukraine joining the discussions with Putin on Friday in Alaska. Zelensky warned that any agreement reached without Kyiv would be a dead decision.

This moment tests Western unity. If Kyiv is left out, the coalition risk weakens and the bargaining power shifts toward a rushed deal that could undermine long-term security for Ukraine. The Alaska meeting could become a proxy for how much room Western partners are willing to give in diplomacy with Moscow while still backing Kyiv.
The episode also spotlights domestic political dynamics in the United States and Europe. Leaders must balance symbolism with substance, and a misstep could fuel criticism at home and abroad. How firmly Kyiv is kept at the table may become a litmus test for Western resolve.

Highlights

The next days will reveal whether diplomacy can keep Kyiv central without stalling a possible settlement.