Donald Trump may issue an ultimatum to Ukraine and the European Union following talks with Vladimir Putin. Media report a new potential summit location—Alaska—which is symbolic for the Kremlin and could help Russia end its isolation. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky plans to join an online meeting with Trump and European leaders from Berlin on August 13.
Analysts at The Economist warn that Kyiv faces a risk: the US could demand Ukraine and the EU accept a settlement favorable to Moscow, changing Europe's security architecture without Ukraine's input. There is European concern as Zelensky is not included in the Alaska summit participants, and Trump’s position on the war remains unclear.
Despite the prominent media coverage of US-Russia dialogue, fighting continues in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces show no signals of wanting to end the war. US officials describe the summit as introductory, yet more experts believe it may result in tough demands for Ukraine.
Zelensky in Berlin seeks to defend Ukraine’s interests during the online conference. European politicians try to influence developments, though EU capacity is limited over dependence on the US and fears of a diplomatic rift.
Russia hopes to negotiate with the US on spheres of influence, reminiscent of the Yalta Conference. Such a compromise could leave Ukraine without sufficient security guarantees and put American military support in doubt.
Beyond politics, attacks targeting energy infrastructure are escalating: in Russia’s Bryansk region, the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by a drone strike, posing potential risks for Europe’s energy supply.
Additional strikes targeted Slovyansk-na-Kubani, Krasnodar Krai, and Volgograd. Fighting remains intense in Donbas, where Ukrainian forces hold the defense, facing new Russian assaults.
The global community increasingly worries that Trump may use peace initiatives to boost his political profile and gain accolades. At the same time, Ukraine and its allies stress that true peace can only come with justice and non-recognition of occupied territories.
Ukrainian society continues to debate the EU’s role and remains mobilized to defend independence, counting on an active international stance amid potential US-Russia deals.
