Trump pondering over the possibility of extending an invitation to Zelenskyy for a summit with Putin, scheduled in Alaska.
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited to the recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in Alaska on August 15, 2025 [1][2]. The exclusion of Zelenskyy from the talks has sparked concerns in Kyiv and European capitals about the legitimacy and outcomes of any peace negotiations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity [1][2].
Ahead of the summit, Zelenskyy communicated with Trump and European leaders, reiterating that Putin was bluffing regarding intentions for peace [1]. Zelenskyy had expressed hope that an immediate ceasefire would be central to the summit, but he also warned that "talks about us, without us, will not work" for Ukraine [1].
The White House did not extend an invitation to Zelenskyy for the meeting, which focused on negotiations between Trump and Putin regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine [1][2]. The exclusion of Zelenskyy raised concerns that Trump and Putin could discuss Ukrainian territorial concessions without Ukraine’s direct involvement [2].
Despite the summit's high stakes, the talks ended without a ceasefire agreement [4]. In the aftermath, the Trump administration is considering inviting Zelenskyy to a potential meeting between Trump and Putin [3].
Meanwhile, Ukraine was represented at the summit by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the country's national security and defense council, and the head of President Zelenskyy's office, Andriy Yermak [5]. In a post on social media, Yermak stated the allies' positions were "clear" that "a reliable, lasting peace is only possible with Ukraine at the negotiating table, with full respect for our sovereignty and without recognizing the occupation" [6].
In a show of unity, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement, stating that Ukraine's future cannot be decided without Kyiv [7]. The joint statement also emphasized that meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities [7].
As the world watches, everyone remains hopeful that Zelenskyy will attend any potential future meetings between Trump and Putin, according to a senior administration official [3]. However, a visit by Zelenskyy to the summit has not been finalized [5]. The current status is that Zelenskyy's exclusion from the Alaska summit has significant implications for the legitimacy and outcomes of any peace negotiations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity [1][2].
- The exclusion of President Zelenskyy from the summit between Trump and Putin has raised concerns that Ukrainian territorial concessions could be discussed without Ukraine’s direct involvement in the negotiations.
- In a show of unity, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement, stating that meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities, and that Ukraine's future cannot be decided without Kyiv.
- The current status is that Zelenskyy's exclusion from the Alaska summit has significant implications for the legitimacy and outcomes of any peace negotiations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Despite the summit's high stakes, the talks ended without a ceasefire agreement, and the Trump administration is considering inviting Zelenskyy to a potential meeting between Trump and Putin.
