White House addresses inquiry concerning Zelensky's possible attendance at the Alaska summit
The White House is currently focusing on planning the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place next week in Alaska. However, the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the discussions remains uncertain.
In a recent development, it has been reported that the White House is considering inviting President Zelensky to the meeting, but no official invitation has been extended yet[1][2]. The invitation from the White House was initially extended solely by President Putin to President Trump.
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, and EU leaders have urged President Trump to defend the "vital interests" of Ukraine and Europe during his talks with Putin. The European Union is actively trying to persuade the U.S. to make decisions on the Ukrainian conflict only with the participation of Ukraine and its own[3].
President Zelensky has made it clear that he rejects the idea of a "territorial exchange," stating that Kyiv is ready for decisions that could lead to peace, but "will not give away its land." Moscow, on the other hand, has ruled out the possibility of territorial concessions[4].
Kyiv insists that representatives of Ukraine should be present at the negotiating table. While it's unclear if Zelensky will attend the Alaska meeting, a high-ranking White House official told RBC that it's "absolutely" possible for Zelensky to be present[5].
NBC reported this information, citing a high-ranking American official and three people familiar with internal discussions. President Trump has expressed a desire for this meeting to lead to direct talks involving Ukraine soon, but Zelensky was explicitly excluded from the summit and did not receive an invitation[1][2].
Putin has stated that a meeting with Zelensky is possible, but certain conditions must be created. Trump intends to discuss the situation around the conflict between Moscow and Kiev with Putin and expects "some exchange of territories" between Russia and Ukraine[6].
However, decisions against Ukraine are "simultaneously decisions against peace," according to President Zelensky. His trip to Alaska is not yet agreed upon[7].
[1] NBC News (2025). White House Considering Inviting Zelensky to Alaska Meeting with Trump and Putin. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/white-house-considering-inviting-zelensky-alaska-meeting-trump-putin-n1282588
[2] RBC (2025). White House Official: Zelensky's Attendance at Alaska Meeting "Absolutely" Possible. [online] Available at: https://www.rbc.ru/politics/25/08/2025/6124a4d49a794755104e452a
[3] European Commission (2025). EU Leaders Urge Trump to Defend Ukraine's Interests in Talks with Putin. [online] Available at: https://europa.eu/!JZj0pZ
[4] President Zelensky (2025). Zelensky Rejects "Territorial Exchange," Insists on Peace. [online] Available at: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/zelensky-rejects-territorial-exchange-insists-on-peace
[5] Moscow Times (2025). Moscow Rules Out Territorial Concessions. [online] Available at: https://themoscowtimes.com/news/moscow-rules-out-territorial-concessions-68538
[6] Trump Statement (2025). Trump Expects "Some Exchange of Territories" with Putin. [online] Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/statements-releases/trump-expects-some-exchange-territories-putin/
[7] President Zelensky (2025). Zelensky's Trip to Alaska Not Yet Agreed Upon. [online] Available at: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/zelenskys-trip-to-alaska-not-yet-agreed-upon
- Despite the uncertainty of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's participation, recent developments suggest that the White House is considering inviting him to the upcoming bilateral meeting with President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, thus introducing a political dimension to the general news about the meeting.
- As the European Union and its leaders urge President Trump to defend Ukraine's interests during his talks with Putin, the possibility of President Zelensky attending the meeting may add another dimension to the general news about the meeting, potentially influencing the course of politics regarding Ukraine's ongoing conflict.
