U.S. President Donald Trump may use the upcoming summit in Alaska to pressure the EU and Ukraine, seeking an agreement on terms favorable to Moscow. According to The Economist, his inconsistent rhetoric and hasty statements could force Kyiv and European countries to make compromises that would jeopardize Ukrainian interests.
Source: Gazeta.UA
European leaders are concerned that President Zelensky is not included among the participants in the talks, and Trump may reach agreements only with those present at the table. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz organized an online meeting on August 13 with leading European politicians, Zelensky, Trump, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to coordinate boundaries unacceptable to the EU and Ukraine.
The Economist notes that the very fact of holding the summit is already a symbolic victory for Putin, highlighting Russia’s status as a major power. Moscow views the war in Ukraine as a proxy conflict with the West and seeks negotiations where the U.S. and Russia divide spheres of influence.
Tensions were heightened by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s words on August 10: “We are done funding the war in Ukraine.”
European leaders have identified three key tasks ahead of Alaska:
- Maintain negotiation consistency – no concessions are to be discussed until a ceasefire or significant reduction in combat intensity.
- Security guarantees for Ukraine – discussions on security commitments should occur in parallel with the ceasefire negotiation process, not afterward; sanctions against Moscow may be strengthened if agreements are violated.
- Prepare Trump for dialogue with Putin – avoid Kremlin manipulation and a hasty agreement.
Analysts note that Trump’s rhetoric, blaming Ukraine for its own problems during the war, is “music to Putin’s ears” and may increase risks for Kyiv.