Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska for Ukraine Talks
Donald Trump Praises Lukashenko Ahead of Putin Meeting
Donald Trump is en route to Alaska and remains active on his Truth Social account. He shared news of a phone call with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia. European leaders had a virtual summit with Trump to express concerns about his upcoming meeting with Putin.
In Kyiv, residents express skepticism about the Trump-Putin summit, with doubts about any positive outcomes. Concerns are raised about potential negative impacts on Ukrainian morale amid reports of Russian advances on the front lines.
Speculation surrounds the Alaska meeting, with questions about potential outcomes and compromises. The gap between Ukraine and Russia's demands for ending the war is described as vast and possibly unbridgeable.
The International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin is discussed, highlighting the lack of ICC jurisdiction in the US. The summit is seen as an opportunity for strategic leverage beyond Ukraine's peace, with both leaders eyeing broader geopolitical gains.
Discussions on potential compromises by Russia include territorial freezes and security guarantees. Pro-Kremlin voices emphasize the need for any compromise to appear as a Russian initiative, not a concession.
The Trump-Putin summit is anticipated to cover various issues beyond the Ukraine war. US officials are en route to Alaska for the summit, aiming to provide military advice as Trump seeks to end the conflict peacefully.
Putin's journey to Alaska includes stops in Magadan, showcasing Russian production facilities and emphasizing independence from Western imports. The summit's best-case scenario is seen as a ceasefire leading to further talks, while the worst-case scenario involves territorial disputes and continued fighting.
Zelensky expresses hope for American support ahead of the summit, emphasizing the need for a just peace and a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia to halt Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.