The White House is weighing whether to extend an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. The White House is considering inviting Ukrainian President Zelensky to a summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska. Further details to follow,” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday evening.
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Putin Presents Territory Swap Proposal
The summit comes as diplomatic tensions escalate over Russia’s territorial demands. The plan, which Putin presented to US President Donald Trump’s foreign envoy Steve Witkoff in a meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, would require Ukraine to cede the eastern Donbas region — the majority of which is currently occupied by Russia — as well as Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.
The announcement comes as Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire passed without any new action. The meeting represents the first face-to-face discussion between American and Russian leaders since 2021.
Zelensky Firmly Rejects Land Concessions
Ukrainian President Zelensky has categorically rejected any territorial concessions to Russia ahead of the Alaska summit. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that his nation’s territorial integrity remains non-negotiable, pushing back against suggestions of land swaps as part of a peace deal.
Trump and Putin are set to meet in Alaska next Friday to discuss ending Moscow’s all-out war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukrainian territorial integrity is non-negotiable. Later on Saturday, a US official said that Trump was ‘considering’ holding a trilateral meeting.
High Stakes for Trump’s Ukraine Policy
The Alaska summit represents one of the most significant diplomatic gambits of Trump’s second term. ANALYSIS: Next Friday’s summit in Alaska is one of the biggest gambits of Trump’s second term, raising expectations for an end to the war. Both he and Putin have negotiating leverage.
Alaska’s selection as the meeting venue carries symbolic weight. Location matters, former real estate mogul US President Donald Trump said. Moments later he announced Alaska, a place sold by Russia to the United States 158 years ago for $7.2 million, would be where Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to sell his land deal of the century, getting Kyiv to hand over chunks of land he’s not yet been able to occupy.
International Allies Monitor Developments
European allies are closely watching the summit preparations. British officials are hosting national security advisers from multiple countries to coordinate responses ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting. According to Downing Street, the meeting is taking place in Kent at the request of the US and comes ahead of an expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, as we’ve also been reporting. The UK is hosting national security advisers including representatives from key NATO allies.
Ukraine’s Position Remains Firm
Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Ukraine continues to maintain its position against territorial concessions. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not reward Russian aggression with land transfers, emphasizing that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The uncertainty surrounding Zelensky’s potential participation in the Alaska summit adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic negotiations. Trump said the two leaders will meet next Friday. It remains unclear whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be involved with the high-stakes summit.
Looking Ahead to August 15
As the August 15 date approaches, international observers are watching for signs of breakthrough or deadlock. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, marking the first time the leaders of the two countries have held talks since 2021. Trump claimed the conflict “could be solved very soon” as he announced the historic meeting.
The summit’s outcome could reshape the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict and define Trump’s foreign policy legacy. With both leaders bringing significant negotiating leverage to the table, the Alaska meeting represents a crucial moment for diplomatic resolution.
Whether Zelensky ultimately joins the discussions or watches from afar, his nation’s future hangs in the balance as two superpowers prepare to negotiate over Ukraine’s fate. Share your thoughts on how this historic summit might unfold and what it means for global security.