Discourse by Zelensky: Alaska Summit Paves Way for Dialogue Among Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.
Headline: Trilateral Talks Initiated as U.S., Ukraine, and Europe Aim for Peace in Ukraine
The recent U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska has sparked a new wave of diplomatic efforts, with the focus on trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, these discussions involve key European leaders.
Following Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump and Zelenskiy held a White House meeting on August 18, 2025. During this meeting, they discussed a potential peace deal and expressed hope for trilateral talks with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump encouraged the U.S. participation in security guarantees as part of any peace deal, and he agreed that territorial exchanges should be discussed directly between Ukraine and Russia. He also mentioned a possibility of persuading Putin to release up to a thousand prisoners as a goodwill gesture. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy was marked by mutual praise, signalling improved unity between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump indicated plans for a phone call with Putin following these talks, aiming to foster a trilateral dialogue involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., alongside prominent EU leaders.
However, there is significant skepticism about whether Putin will agree to a direct bilateral meeting with Zelenskiy or participate meaningfully in trilateral talks. Russian officials have been cool or dismissive of proposals for such a meeting, reflecting past refusals and demands that complicate negotiations. Ukrainian officials doubt Putin's willingness to engage, fearing he may avoid the meeting by imposing unrealistic conditions, leading to a possibility of only limited shuttle diplomacy at the ministerial level instead of direct talks.
In summary, while there is optimism from the U.S. and Ukraine about initiating trilateral talks following the Alaska summit, the willingness of Russia, particularly Putin, to engage remains uncertain and continues to be the key obstacle for progress.
Additional details:
- Trump has stated that he will not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine in the meeting.
- The summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled for Friday and will discuss a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine.
- The U.S. sees the ceasefire agreement as a potential way to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two.
- Zelenski met with European leaders this week.
- Zelenski expressed the importance of the Russian-U.S. summit for a "just peace" in Ukraine.
- Trump will leave it to Kiev to decide if Ukraine will participate in territorial exchanges with Russia.
- Zelenski wrote on Telegram that it's time to end the war and that Russia must take necessary steps.
The U.S., Ukraine, and key European leaders are eagerly awaiting potential trilateral talks to address ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, following the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. Despite optimism, there's skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to engage directly, a key obstacle for progress in general-news discussions.
