White House Does Not Rule Out Ukrainian President Zelensky Attending Trump-Putin Summit in Alaska

Published Time: 08-10-2025, 15:30 (U.S. Eastern Time)

A rapidly evolving diplomatic effort took center stage this weekend after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday in Alaska. The announcement triggered urgent consultations among European allies who emphasized that Ukraine must be an active participant in any negotiations regarding its future and that peace talks must follow a ceasefire.

Diplomatic Tensions and the Uncertain Summit Details

The proposed Alaska summit between Trump and Putin has been organized on short notice, and many details remain unsettled, including the exact location. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not officially named as a participant, White House officials have not ruled out his involvement in some capacity, possibly in meetings following the Trump-Putin bilateral talks, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

A White House official told CNN that President Trump remains “open to a trilateral summit with both leaders” but is currently planning a bilateral meeting “as requested by President Putin.”

European Leaders Push for Ukraine’s Inclusion and a Ceasefire

Amid the flurry of diplomatic activity, European officials convened a meeting on Saturday in the English countryside hosted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Finland underscored their support for diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while also laying out strict conditions for any negotiations.

Their joint statement reaffirmed that:

• Ukraine must be directly involved in all peace talks.
• Negotiations should take place only after a ceasefire or reduction in hostilities.
• Territorial concessions must be reciprocal; if Ukraine cedes land, Russia must return occupied territories.
• International borders must not be altered by force.
• Robust security guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are essential.

“These principles,” the statement read, “reflect our commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and we reject proposals that undermine Ukraine’s right to choose its own destiny.”

Conflicting Peace Proposals and Rising Concerns

According to European officials, Russian President Putin’s proposal, as relayed during a recent meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, involves significant territorial concessions by Ukraine, particularly relinquishing control over the eastern Donbas region, which Russia partially occupies. However, the status of other contested regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia remains unclear.

While Trump suggested the potential for “some swapping of territories” during Friday’s announcement, the specifics of any deal remain vague, raising concerns among European allies about Ukraine’s future territorial integrity and the scope of U.S. security commitments.

Progress and Uncertainties Ahead of the Alaska Summit

In the meeting hosted by Vice President Vance, officials discussed these issues with European and Ukrainian representatives, including virtual participation from Steve Witkoff. While U.S. officials described the discussions as making “significant progress,” it remains uncertain whether European leaders or Zelensky fully endorse the path ahead.

Addressing the meeting’s outcomes, President Zelensky expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Our arguments are being heard. The dangers are being taken into account.”

The Road Forward

The White House and European leaders now face the delicate task of aligning their diplomatic approaches before the Friday summit. The critical challenges include ensuring Ukraine’s meaningful involvement, securing a ceasefire, and clarifying the terms of any territorial and security agreements.

As the situation develops, global attention remains focused on Alaska, where the fate of ongoing hostilities and peace prospects in Ukraine may hinge on high-stakes talks between the United States and Russia.