Trump-Putin meet in Alaska: Ahead of the high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, United States President Donald Trump has held a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several key European leaders.
The summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled for Friday, 15 August, in Alaska, the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Russia and the US in years. Putin last met Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, in 2022.
The discussions come amid reports that the White House is exploring a controversial ceasefire proposal that would see Ukraine give up the Donbas region in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. Zelenskyy has rejected the idea outright, while European leaders insist that no talks on territorial concessions can occur without Kyiv’s direct involvement.
European leaders demand clarity
During the call, European leaders pressed Trump to state his position more clearly ahead of the Alaska summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that Ukraine must be included in any peace negotiations and called securing a ceasefire “the first step” towards ending the war. He added that Europe and the US would need to “exert even more pressure” on Putin should talks fail to deliver results.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that “any talks of territorial exchange must only be discussed with Ukraine”. He noted that Russia currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory but emphasised that Europe’s voice must be heard in discussions impacting the entire continent.
“The American will is to obtain a ceasefire,” Macron said. “The exchange with President Trump allowed him to declare his intentions for the meeting on 15 August and allowed us to very clearly explain our expectations.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined in affirming Ukraine’s right to territorial integrity. “International borders must not be changed by force,” he said, adding that any agreement must include “robust and credible security guarantees” for Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesperson described Starmer’s support as “unwavering”.
According to a joint statement, all leaders on the call agreed this week represents “an important moment for the future of Ukraine” and thanked Trump for his efforts to bring Putin to the table.
What did Zelenskyy tell Trump ahead of meeting with Putin?
Speaking to reporters after the call, Zelenskyy accused Putin of bluffing. “He’s trying to push all over the front line,” the Ukrainian president said, dismissing any suggestion that Moscow genuinely seeks peace.
Zelenskyy told Trump and the European leaders that a ceasefire must come before any further talks, coupled with “real security guarantees” to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. He warned that Russia should face tougher sanctions if it refuses to halt the fighting.
“Trump supported us today,” Zelenskyy remarked, expressing gratitude towards Germany and singling out allies including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO’s Mark Rutte, Italian President Giorgia Meloni, and Macron.
Zelenskyy underscored that Ukraine must be at the centre of any negotiations. “Everything about Ukraine has to be discussed with Ukraine. We have to be part of the conversation,” he said. He added that Trump had promised to contact him after his meeting with Putin.
What do we know about the Alaska Summit?
The Alaska meeting carries significant political and diplomatic weight. For Trump, it represents an opportunity to present himself as a deal-maker capable of brokering an end to a conflict that has dominated global headlines for over two years. For Putin, it is a chance to test the resolve of both Washington and Europe, particularly in light of speculation about a territorial settlement.
European leaders have made their red lines clear that there must not be any concessions without Ukraine’s consent, continued military and financial support for Kyiv, and pressure on Moscow until it agrees to a “just and lasting” peace.
(With inputs from agencies)