Europe surpasses Alaska in position.
In the lead-up to the much-anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska on August 16, there are signs that Putin may have softened his territorial demands concerning Ukraine. Instead of seeking control over four Ukrainian regions, reports suggest Putin is now focusing solely on the Donetsk region [1].
Furthermore, indications point towards Putin showing more flexibility regarding Ukraine's demilitarization, although the specifics remain unclear, with some reports being retracted [1]. However, it's crucial to note that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not been involved in these talks, which raises concerns given that Ukraine currently controls about 25% of Donetsk, and ceding such territory would be unprecedented [1].
The diplomatic encounter between Putin and Trump is seen as a victory in terms of recognition for Putin, but it has yet to result in concrete concessions or a ceasefire agreement. The European Union and capitals are working diligently to maintain a united stance and influence US policy discussions ahead of the meeting [1].
In preparation for the talks, Europe has synchronized its clocks with the US [2].
The US delegation, in addition to President Trump, includes Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Russian delegation, on the other hand, consists of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev [1].
Reports suggest that President Trump supports providing security guarantees to Kyiv, including US involvement, but only on the condition that they are not part of NATO efforts [1]. If the meeting with Putin is successful, Trump has stated that he will insist on holding a second summit, this time with the participation of Zelensky [1].
Trump may also offer Putin the development of rare earth metals on territories that have come under Russian control, as well as a partial easing of sanctions against the Russian aviation industry [1]. In response to this, Trump has promised Zelensky that he will not discuss territorial issues at his bilateral meeting with Putin [1].
The US has proposed tariffs of 500% on goods from countries that buy Russian products but do not help Ukraine, and later, tariffs of 100% on countries buying Russian oil [1]. French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that President Trump intends to seek an unconditional ceasefire from Putin, provide guarantees of security to Kyiv, and not touch upon the issue of territories [1].
Some European leaders have the impression that Donald Trump is not very optimistic about the results of the meeting with Putin [1]. Despite this, Trump has stated that he will clearly indicate that all options are being considered regarding sanctions against Russia at the summit in Alaska [1].
The European Union acknowledges the possibility of gradually easing sanctions against Russia in case of an agreement on a ceasefire, but also plans to re-impose sanctions if "any violations are detected" [1]. Emmanuel Macron has confidently announced that a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky will take place in Europe [1].
[1] Sources: CNN, Politico, BBC News [2] The New York Times
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, particularly the situation in Donetsk, are expected to be a significant point of discussion in the policy-and-legislation discussions between President Putin and President Trump, despite Ukrainian President Zelensky being excluded from these talks.
- The general-news outlets are closely following the Alaska summit between President Putin and President Trump, reporting on potential changes in US policy-and-legislation towards Ukraine, as well as European Union's efforts to maintain a united stance and influence these discussions.
