Trump Not Anticipating Agreement with Putin
As the highly anticipated Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska approaches, the situation in Ukraine remains tense. Russian forces continue to engage in long-range strikes and limited advances, primarily around Dobropillya and western Zaporizhia Oblast, while Ukrainian counteroffensives have recaptured key settlements near Dobropillya and made advances in the Sumy region [1][2].
However, US officials have expressed doubt about Russian President Putin's willingness to offer the necessary concessions for peace [2]. As of mid-August 2025, no concrete peace proposals involving Ukraine, NATO, or the EU have been confirmed publicly. The conflict remains primarily characterized by ongoing military operations rather than diplomatic breakthroughs [1][3][4].
The expected participants in the preparations for the conversation with Trump include EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A virtual meeting of Merz with the heads of state and government from France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and Finland is planned to prepare for the conversation with Trump [5].
Zelenskyy has expressed scepticism about the meeting, viewing it as a new attempt by Moscow to deceive, and has not been invited to the meeting [6]. Ukraine strictly rejects any territorial concessions [7]. The German government has emphasized the importance of involving Ukraine in any peace solution [8].
Trump has hinted at a future meeting between Zelensky and Putin, or a meeting involving all three leaders [9]. US NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker has suggested a possible invitation for Zelensky to the Alaska meeting [10]. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is trying to find a common line between the Europeans and US President Donald Trump [11].
The EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas has announced a new EU sanctions package against Russia, making it the 19th such package [12]. Trump has criticized Zelensky's approach to the Ukraine conflict, specifically his reference to the constitution [13]. Zelensky has indirectly rejected a deal involving territorial exchange and emphasized Ukraine's participation in decisions concerning the country [14].
Russia currently controls part of Ukrainian territory, according to NATO Secretary General Rutte [15]. Trump has mentioned a possible exchange of territories between Ukraine and Russia in the context of the Alaska summit [16]. After the Alaska summit, Trump has promised to inform Zelenskyy, as well as European heads of state and government, about the conversation with Putin [17].
European heads of state and government will meet with Zelenskyy and Trump at Merz's initiative to discuss how pressure can be put on Russia and possible peace negotiations [18]. The meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska is scheduled to discuss a possible peace solution in the Russian invasion of Ukraine [19]. However, Trump has clarified that he will not sign an agreement on the Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin [20].
The developments leading up to the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska show a continued military activity on the ground in Ukraine, with no significant new diplomatic solutions in sight. The prospect of negotiations involving Ukraine, NATO, and the EU remains uncertain or undeclared in open sources.
