In a recent edition of the "Hovoryt Velykyi Lviv" project, political analyst Vitaliy Portnikov shared his perspective on the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska and its possible consequences for Ukraine.
Portnikov argues that there are no objective prerequisites for historic change as a result of this meeting, as both the US and Russian presidents are known for their unpredictable positions. He points out that Putin’s motive is to break Russia’s diplomatic isolation since 2022, noting that such negotiations often yield no concrete outcomes and are soon forgotten.
The journalist highlights Ukraine's current efforts to secure support from European partners in anticipation of possible decisions made without Kyiv's involvement. According to Portnikov, the Kremlin may suggest territorial compromises, but for Western leaders, the Russia-Ukraine war is primarily about upholding international law.
Portnikov expressed concern that the talks could result in outcomes unfavorable to Ukraine. Possible scenarios include a temporary ceasefire, partial territorial losses, or constitutional changes toward a neutral status. He stresses that such compromises would be painful for Ukraine and may signal the triumph of force over international law.
The main challenge for Kyiv, Portnikov asserts, is to preserve allied support and prevent the results of the Trump-Putin meeting from leading to weakened or ended assistance to Ukraine.
