Trump sets up encounter with Putin
Ukraine Takes Centre Stage in Russo-American Summit
The upcoming Russo-American summit, scheduled to take place in Alaska, promises to be a significant event in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The United States, represented by President Donald Trump, is seeking a unified transatlantic position with Ukraine and its NATO allies for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin [1].
Ukraine, as a key stakeholder, plays a crucial role in the potential agreement. The talks focus on a ceasefire or a peace agreement to end the war, with possibilities of minor land swaps between Russia and Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected any compromise on the Crimean Peninsula and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions [2].
The agreement could see neither Ukraine nor the West recognizing the approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia as legally Russian, but both sides would agree not to attempt to retake it by force. Russia would acknowledge the remaining 80% of Ukraine as a free, sovereign, and independent country. Ukraine would retain the right to defend itself militarily and choose its future political alignment, including EU membership. NATO would limit its troop presence and would no longer aim to offer Ukraine NATO membership [1].
Economic sanctions against Russia would be incrementally scaled back as the agreement is implemented. However, there is a significant risk that a flawed deal unacceptable to Ukraine or NATO might result in Ukraine rejecting the agreement and potential cessation of U.S. support, which could severely undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and possibly allow Russia to subjugate Ukraine [1].
The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly four and a half years, with Russia's military gaining ground daily, causing daily casualties and forcing millions to flee their homes. The continuation of hostilities becomes increasingly expensive for Russia, due in part to a labor shortage caused by volunteers drawn to the war by high salaries [3].
Trump has presented himself as a mediator for a peaceful solution since the start of his second term in January 2025, and has distanced himself from Biden's supportive stance towards Ukraine [4]. Moscow, too, is interested in discussing economic ties with the US and strategic security, including nuclear arms control, and has proposed a follow-up meeting between Putin and Trump on Russian soil [5].
International borders should not be changed by force, according to a joint statement by several countries and the EU Commission [6]. It is worth noting that Alaska was part of Russia until the mid-19th century, when it was sold to the United States [7]. The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Alaska, which is the northernmost state of the USA, and is convenient for Putin due to its proximity to Russia and lack of third-party involvement [4].
Since Biden's inauguration, there has been little communication between Washington and Moscow after the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022 [8]. The US President has some leverage over Ukraine, including the ability to halt military support or stop providing intelligence data, which could make continued warfare increasingly challenging for Ukraine [2].
As of the most recent summit in Alaska in August 2025, no concrete deal was announced, although both Trump and Putin indicated there was some progress in discussions [9]. The situation remains fluid, and Ukraine's role as an essential party for any lasting settlement is clear.
References: 1. The New York Times 2. BBC News 3. The Washington Post 4. CNN 5. Reuters 6. EU Commission Press Release 7. National Geographic 8. The Guardian 9. Associated Press
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine takes center stage in the upcoming Russo-American summit, as both sides discuss potential agreements to end the conflict.
- In the discourse of general-news, the politics surrounding Ukraine's NATO alignment and territorial integrity is a crucial aspect of the talks between the United States and Russia.
