ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – United States president Donald Trump and russian president Vladimir Putin convened on august 15, 2025, at joint base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska for a pivotal summit aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. The high-stakes meeting, which could reshape the conflict and global alliances, is being held without the participation of Ukraine.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited to the summit, a move that has sparked concern about major decisions being made without Kyiv's input. Despite the exclusion, president Zelenskyy stated the summit could be a crucial first step toward achieving a "just peace" and called for eventual trilateral talks involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.
The diplomatic push comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities, with reports indicating that russian attacks on Ukraine have doubled since the inauguration of president Trump. Ahead of the meeting, president Trump issued an ultimatum, stating he would not resume business with Russia until the war is "settled," signaling that a peace deal is a prerequisite for lifting sanctions and normalizing economic ties with Moscow.
Further complicating the negotiations are reports that a "West Bank-style" division of Ukraine is being contemplated as a potential solution. Diplomatic sources suggest both Washington and Moscow are exploring plans for a territorial split, drawing a contentious comparison to Israel's occupation of the West Bank.
Adding another layer to the international efforts, french president Emmanuel Macron has indicated that president Trump is working towards a trilateral agreement. However, president Macron emphasized that any final decisions on territorial arrangements must be made directly by Ukraine.
As the talks proceed behind closed doors, the international community is watching closely. The outcome of the Alaska summit carries profound implications not only for the future of Ukraine but also for the NATO alliance, U.S. foreign policy credibility, and the broader U.S.-Russia relationship.