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Monday 23/02/2026

Tensions Rise as Trump and Putin Prepare for High-Stakes Alaska Summit on Ukraine

Trump and Putin in snowy Alaska discussing Ukraine
Alex CarterAlex Carter

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss "land swapping" at a summit in Alaska aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy may attend the summit, but his participation remains uncertain and is contingent on Trump's decision.
  • European leaders are pushing for inclusion in the talks, emphasizing that decisions should not be made without Ukraine and Europe's involvement.
  • Trump expressed frustration with Zelenskyy's insistence on a national referendum for any peace deal involving territorial concessions.
  • EU foreign ministers are preparing additional sanctions against Russia and are coordinating strategies ahead of the summit.

As the world watches, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska this Friday to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Central to the discussions is the controversial topic of "land swapping," a proposal that has sparked significant debate and concern among European leaders and Ukrainian officials.

Zelenskyy's Potential Participation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been at the forefront of calls for a fair and inclusive peace process. While US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker indicated that Zelenskyy's attendance at the summit is possible, the final decision rests with Trump. Zelenskyy has been vocal about his opposition to any territorial concessions without a national referendum, a stance that has reportedly frustrated Trump.

European Leaders Demand Inclusion

European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have expressed their discontent with being excluded from the direct negotiations. Merz has organized a virtual meeting with EU leaders, Zelenskyy, and Trump to ensure that European interests are represented. "We cannot accept in any case that territorial questions are discussed or even decided between Russia and America over the heads of Europeans and Ukrainians," Merz stated.

US-Russia Relations and Strategic Concerns

The summit comes amid concerns about the clarity of US intentions and the potential for damaging concessions to Russia. Trump has promised to consult with European leaders and Zelenskyy before and after the meeting, emphasizing his desire for a constructive dialogue. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, underscoring their commitment to a firm stance against aggression.

The Path Forward

As the summit approaches, the stakes are high. The outcome could significantly impact US-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. European leaders are keen to ensure that any agreement respects Ukraine's sovereignty and security. The world awaits the results of these critical discussions, which could shape the future of the Ukraine conflict and international diplomacy.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska represents a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict. Should Zelenskyy attend, it could bolster Ukraine's position and ensure that its interests are directly represented. However, if the summit proceeds without him, there is a risk that decisions could be made that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.

European leaders are likely to continue advocating for a comprehensive and inclusive peace process. Their involvement is crucial in maintaining a united front against Russian aggression and ensuring that any territorial concessions are not made unilaterally.

The outcome of the summit could either pave the way for a ceasefire and potential peace agreement or exacerbate tensions if perceived as favoring Russian interests. The international community will be closely monitoring the discussions, as they hold significant implications for global security and diplomatic relations.