International Meeting Chronicle: "Europe Has No Authority to Dictate My Actions" - Live Coverage: Alaska Summit: Europe's Influence on U.S. Policies Marginally Underscored by U.S. Leader
The upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is set to take place in Alaska, with the future of Ukraine on the agenda. However, the meeting will not include representatives from the European Union or the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky.
The conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than three years under Putin's rule, is expected to be the main topic of discussion. There is cautious hope for peace, but key disagreements over territory, sovereignty, and war crimes accountability have hindered a formal peace agreement.
Trump has been pushing for rapid progress, emphasising the urgency of ending the conflict to avoid more deaths. He has sought to rally European allies to lead on security guarantees for Ukraine, possibly including a new collective defense arrangement outside NATO.
European countries generally back Ukrainian terms emphasising full sovereignty and security, whereas Russia demands recognition of annexed lands and military constraints on Ukraine. The Bucha massacre and ongoing hostilities have fueled doubts about Russia's sincerity.
The potential peace deals that accommodate Russian territorial gains could challenge established norms of state sovereignty and non-aggression. A peace forced on Ukraine to cede territory under threat of force might set a dangerous precedent in international relations, undermining legal principles upheld by institutions such as the UN.
On the other hand, a security guarantees framework led by Western powers aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and deter future aggression, aligning with international law norms defending sovereign integrity.
In summary, while new diplomatic efforts led by the Trump administration and involving meetings with Putin represent a fresh but contentious attempt at peace, the conflict’s resolution hinges on reconciling fundamentally opposed demands and balancing realpolitik with international law principles. The peace process as of August 2025 is active but tentative, with significant obstacles needing resolution before durable peace can be achieved.
[1] The Economist. (2025). The Ukraine peace process: A delicate dance. [online] Available at: https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/08/01/the-ukraine-peace-process-a-delicate-dance
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Ukraine conflict: Trump and Putin meet in Alaska as peace talks stall. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/16/ukraine-conflict-trump-putin-meet-alaska-peace-talks-stall
[3] BBC News. (2025). Ukraine conflict: Trump pushes for peace as Putin meets Zelenskyy. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57987144
- The main topic of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, is anticipated to be the highest-ranking news item both domestically and internationally, potentially shaping the course of war-and-conflicts and politics around the world.
- The peace process between Russia and Ukraine, despite new diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration, remains tentative and active, as significant discussions on territory disputes, sovereignty, war crimes accountability, and international law principles continue to pose challenges in the general-news landscape.
