US President Donald Trump will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday in what he calls a “feel-out meeting.” It will be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump says he wants to gauge Putin’s ideas for ending the war. He has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting territorial concessions.
European leaders fear Putin will team up with Trump to push unacceptable compromises on Ukraine. They will speak separately on Wednesday with both Trump and Zelensky to ensure Kyiv’s interests remain intact.
Cautious Tone from Trump
Trump has spent his second term’s opening months trying to broker peace in Ukraine, claiming earlier he could end the war in 24 hours. However, phone calls, diplomatic visits, and multiple talks have brought no breakthrough. This time, he lowered expectations, saying he expects “constructive conversations” with Putin but no immediate deal.
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“This is a feel-out meeting, a little bit,” Trump told reporters. He said he would share any “fair deal” with EU and NATO leaders and with Zelensky. “I may say — lots of luck, keep fighting. Or I may say, we can make a deal,” he added.
Europe Draws Firm Lines
Ukraine’s right to self-determination was reaffirmed by EU leaders in a statement. They emphasized that territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law must all be respected in a state of peace. They rejected any changes to borders by force.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called French, British, EU, and NATO leaders to virtual talks on Wednesday to discuss pressure on Russia and prepare for possible peace negotiations. EU foreign ministers met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Brussels, exploring a 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said no concessions should be considered until Russia agrees to a full and unconditional ceasefire. “It has never worked in the past with Russia, and will not work with Putin today,” she warned.
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Zelensky Rejects Land Swaps
Zelensky refuses to cede territory seized by force. Trump, however, insists that some land swaps will be necessary. “There’ll be some swapping, there’ll be some changes in land,” he said. He added he would still tell Putin that the war must end.
Zelensky warned against rewarding Russia’s aggression. “Russia refuses to stop the killings, and therefore must not receive any rewards or benefits. Concessions do not persuade a killer,” he said.
The Neutrality Gambit
Putin’s conditions for peace include Kyiv pulling its forces from Russian-claimed regions and committing to neutrality outside NATO. This demand directly challenges Ukraine’s Western partnerships. By entertaining the idea of land swaps and future talks, Trump risks aligning with part of Putin’s framework — a move that could unsettle not just Kyiv but also NATO’s strategic position in Eastern Europe.
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Alaska Talks Could Redefine War’s Next Phase
It remains unclear if Zelensky will join the Alaska summit. The Kremlin demands Kyiv meet sweeping political and military conditions before talks. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with Russia claiming the capture of Fedorivka in Donetsk.
The Alaska meeting may not produce a deal, but it could reset the tone, either toward compromise or deeper division.
