Trump Putin Alaska Summit May Include Zelensky as Peace Talks Evolve

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on August 8 that he will hold a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to address the ongoing Ukraine crisis. This development comes after a series of diplomatic engagements, including a recent meeting in Moscow between Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin, where the Russian leader reportedly proposed a full ceasefire in exchange for Ukrainian military withdrawal from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions [1]. Trump has supported the idea of territorial exchanges as a means to reach a resolution that could benefit both nations [1].

The White House is reportedly considering an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Alaska summit, although no final decision has been made. A senior White House official confirmed to NewsNation that the administration remains open to the possibility but emphasized that details are still being finalized [1]. Trump had previously stated that he did not believe it was necessary for Zelensky to be present in advance of the meeting with Putin [1].

The potential inclusion of Zelensky reflects broader international efforts to mediate a peace deal. In a recent diplomatic gathering in Kent, England, U.S. Vice President Vance, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Zelensky’s chief adviser Andriy Yermak, and European national security advisors discussed ceasefire proposals. Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s strong support for Ukraine and the need for a “just and lasting peace” [1]. Zelensky, however, has firmly rejected any suggestion of ceding territory, stating that the Ukrainian people deserve peace and that no concessions should be made in exchange for Russian demands [1].

The Kremlin has not yet officially responded to the possibility of Zelensky being included in the Alaska meeting. Russian authorities previously expressed opposition to a trilateral format involving both Zelensky and Trump [1]. The inclusion of Zelensky, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in diplomatic strategy and could provide a rare platform for direct dialogue between the three key stakeholders in the conflict.

Analysts suggest that while the meeting could signal a new approach to conflict resolution, the deep-seated disagreements over territorial control and accountability remain major hurdles. Trump’s openness to a trilateral format indicates a possible willingness to facilitate a broader peace process, though the outcome will depend on the positions taken by all parties involved [1].

The evolving discussions highlight the complex geopolitical landscape as the U.S. seeks to balance its engagement with Russia while continuing to support Ukraine. The success of the Alaska summit, and any subsequent negotiations, will depend on whether all parties are prepared to move beyond previous positions and engage in meaningful compromise.

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Sources:

[1] The Hill, [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5444990-zelensky-trump-putin-possible-alaska-meeting/](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5444990-zelensky-trump-putin-possible-alaska-meeting/)

[2] The Independent, [https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-putin-alaska-invite-zelensky-b2804940.html](https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-putin-alaska-invite-zelensky-b2804940.html)

[3] Yahoo News, [https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/former-trump-adviser-alaska-summit-233035167.html](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/former-trump-adviser-alaska-summit-233035167.html)

[4] Hindustan Times, [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/trump-open-to-trilateral-summit-putin-zelensky-ukraine-crisis-peace-deal-10175****482348.html](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/trump-open-to-trilateral-summit-putin-zelensky-ukraine-crisis-peace-deal-10175****482348.html)

[5] Kyiv Independent, [https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-considering-inviting-zelensky-to-peace-talks-in-alaska-media-reports/](https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-considering-inviting-zelensky-to-peace-talks-in-alaska-media-reports/)

[6] Sky News, [https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-latest-putin-could-make-final-push-on-invasion-anniversary-as-belarus-president-warned-over-joining-war-12541713?gsid=26db49c9-2043-412a-9f34-ae51bbb32dcd&postid=5250807](https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-latest-putin-could-make-final-push-on-invasion-anniversary-as-belarus-president-warned-over-joining-war-12541713?gsid=26db49c9-2043-412a-9f34-ae51bbb32dcd&postid=5250807)