As the world watches, President Donald Trump’s upcoming face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has left both Ukrainian and European leaders on edge.
Scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, the meeting is being billed as a potential step toward negotiating a ceasefire and, possibly, bringing the war in Ukraine closer to an end.
Trump Signals Possible Territorial Concessions
During a Wednesday call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump suggested that resolving the conflict might require Ukraine to give up some territory to Russia.
While intended as a negotiation tactic, the remark raised immediate concerns in Kyiv and across Europe.
Zelensky remained firm, reportedly telling Trump that “Putin is bluffing” about his willingness to end the war and emphasizing that no territorial decisions could be made without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
European Leaders Stand with Ukraine
European leaders have echoed Zelensky’s stance, signaling that they will not support any unilateral concessions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, currently hosting Zelensky in Berlin, stressed that European countries are working to make sure the Alaska talks “go the right way” and protect Ukraine’s interests.
The Stakes of the Alaska Summit
The Alaska meeting comes after more than three and a half years of conflict, with millions affected and international tension running high.
While Trump frames the meeting as an opportunity for peace, both Ukrainian and European officials are cautious, wary of proposals that could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.