Trump–Putin Alaska Summit: Europe’s Cautious Optimism for Ukraine Peace

 

Trump–Putin Alaska Summit: Europe’s Cautious Optimism for Ukraine Peace

Alaska Summit Countdown: On Friday, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet at a military base in Alaska in a high-stakes summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and securing a potential ceasefire.

Europe–Trump Virtual Meeting

On Wednesday, Trump and Vice-President JD Vance held a virtual meeting with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and Poland, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte.

 

French President Emmanuel Macron said:

“We clarified his intentions and shared our expectations.”

Trump reportedly told the leaders that his goal was a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, with any territorial arrangements requiring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s involvement and firm security guarantees.

Concerns Over Land-Swapping

In recent weeks, Trump has floated the idea of “land-swapping” between Ukraine and Russia, sparking deep concern in Kyiv and across Europe. Moscow has not shifted from its demands: Ukraine must withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and abandon its NATO ambitions before a ceasefire can begin.

Zelensky has warned that allowing Russia to keep any territory would give Moscow a launchpad for future invasions.

Security Guarantees & the Coalition of the Willing

The UK and France are spearheading a “Coalition of the Willing” to provide security guarantees and possibly deploy a reassurance force once hostilities end.

 UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:

“After more than three years of war, we finally have a viable chance for a ceasefire.”

Frontline Situation

Meanwhile, on the ground, Russia’s summer offensive continues. Near Dobropillya in Donetsk, Moscow’s troops have made sudden advances. Zelensky told Trump and European allies that Putin is “bluffing” about sanctions having little effect and urged increased pressure on Russia.

Trump himself admitted:

“Even if I talk to him, I can’t stop every missile hitting civilians.”

What’s Next?

Trump hinted that if Friday’s summit goes well, he would push for a “quick second one” involving both Putin and Zelensky. Still, European leaders have made it clear: no final deal without Kyiv at the table.