In a significant diplomatic move, the White House is contemplating an invitation for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join President Donald Trump in Alaska next week for a critical meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This information comes from a senior U.S. official and three sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, highlighting the evolving dynamics of international relations amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to one of the individuals briefed on the matter, “It’s being discussed.” However, it is important to note that no formal visit has been confirmed as of yet. The senior U.S. official mentioned that the possibility of Zelenskyy attending the meetings in Alaska is “absolutely” on the table, generating optimism among those involved in the discussions. “Everyone is very hopeful that would happen,” the official added, indicating a strong desire for a trilateral summit.
When questioned about whether the U.S. had officially extended an invitation to Zelenskyy, a senior White House official responded, “The President remains open to a trilateral summit with both leaders.” However, the primary focus at this stage is on planning the bilateral meeting requested by President Putin, signifying a careful balancing act in diplomatic efforts.
On Friday, President Trump announced his meeting with Putin scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, a situation that has drawn international attention and concern. Initially, the White House had stipulated that a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy was a prerequisite for Trump's discussions with the Russian leader, but Trump later clarified that this was not a precondition.
If Zelenskyy were to make the journey to Alaska, it remains uncertain whether he and Putin would meet face-to-face. One source familiar with the discussions indicated that the logistics of such an encounter are still being evaluated, reflecting the complexities of the ongoing geopolitical situation.
The surge in diplomatic activity to resolve the war in Ukraine follows a meeting between Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin in Moscow. This meeting occurred ahead of a Friday deadline set by Trump for the Russian leader to agree to a ceasefire or face the imposition of new sanctions. While Putin has yet to agree to a ceasefire, he has laid out potential terms for an agreement that would permit Russia to retain significant portions of Ukrainian territory.
In a defiant response, President Zelenskyy declared on Saturday that Ukrainians “will not give their land to occupiers,” reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to its territorial sovereignty. Trump has commented that there may be “some swapping of territories to the betterment of both” nations, highlighting the complex negotiations that lie ahead.
As the situation evolves, administration officials are actively working to garner support for a potential ceasefire from both the Ukrainian government and European leaders. This diplomatic engagement underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict, reflecting a broader international commitment to peace in the region.
