In a night broadcast, journalist Vitaliy Portnikov analyzed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. The Kremlin swiftly confirmed the information through Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov, indicating both sides coordinated the move.
The Trump-Putin meeting is seen as a pivotal event for the future of the Russia-Ukraine war. While the official agenda has not been disclosed, it is expected that the main topic will be ending hostilities and the potential for territorial concessions. Possible scenarios include a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and frameworks for long-term security.
Portnikov emphasized that such negotiations could destabilize Ukraine if the compromises are too significant or if society and political elites are unprepared for difficult decisions. There is also a risk that a breakdown in agreements could provide the US with grounds to reduce support for Ukraine, shifting the responsibility to European partners.
The journalist drew historical parallels with the events in Nagorno-Karabakh, warning of dangerous consequences from internal destabilization following unbalanced decisions. He also noted that the Kremlin and its allies may use propaganda and information manipulation to exert pressure before the meeting.
Portnikov highlighted the importance of a unified position between the US, EU, and Ukraine ahead of the talks, to avoid outcomes unfavorable for Kyiv. He also underlined the ongoing uncertainty about how any agreements would be enforced, arguing that the only reliable protection for Ukraine currently remains support from the collective West and further integration into NATO.
The expert advises relying on official information from the US, EU, and Ukraine and avoiding misinformation and speculation. The final outcome of the negotiations is unknown, but preparations and international consultations are already strategically significant.
