U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet on August 15, 2025, in Alaska to discuss a potential peace agreement to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The proposed deal may involve significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, including formal recognition of Russian control over Crimea and possible cession of the Donbas region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not been invited to the summit, prompting concern from Kyiv, where Zelensky has firmly rejected any territorial concessions and called peace efforts without Ukraine’s participation "unworkable." (The Washington Post)

Background

The conflict in Ukraine began in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Since then, the war has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Despite various diplomatic efforts, a lasting peace agreement has remained elusive. President Trump has expressed a desire to end the conflict and has been in discussions with President Putin to find a resolution.

Proposed Peace Deal

The proposed peace agreement being discussed involves substantial territorial concessions from Ukraine. This includes formal recognition of Russian control over Crimea and potential cession of the Donbas region. These proposals have been met with strong opposition from Ukrainian officials, who argue that such concessions would undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.(Tasnim News, The Washington Post)

Ukrainian Response

President Zelensky has not been invited to the upcoming summit, leading to concerns in Kyiv about the direction of the peace talks. Zelensky has firmly rejected any territorial concessions and has stated that peace efforts without Ukraine’s participation are "unworkable." He emphasized that Ukraine's Constitution prohibits giving up territory and that no Ukrainian leadership would violate this principle. (The Washington Post, TIME)

International Reactions

European officials have expressed skepticism about the proposed peace deal, fearing that it may be favorable to Russia and detrimental to Ukraine's sovereignty. Analysts suggest that Moscow still seeks full demilitarization of Ukraine and sees no legitimacy in Zelensky’s government. The exclusion of Ukraine from the upcoming summit has further raised concerns among international observers.(The Washington Post)

Conclusion

The upcoming meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Alaska marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. However, the proposed territorial concessions and the exclusion of Ukraine from the talks have raised serious concerns about the fairness and viability of the peace process. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.(TIME)