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With President Donald Trump set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, questions remain about how Ukraine will be involved and whether the Republican administration can bridge the gap between Kyiv and Moscow for a ceasefire deal.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the meeting, stating that the White House and Kremlin would work hard on the summit’s agenda. Trump said he aims to discuss ways to reach a sustainable settlement to the Ukraine crisis. The US is considering inviting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to the meeting.
Despite months of talks, no ceasefire agreement has been reached between Kyiv and Moscow. In March, Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal, but Trump’s frustration with Putin has grown. A White House spokesperson reported that the Trump administration is contemplating an invitation for Zelensky to attend the summit.
Many ceasefire attempts have failed. Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said Russia is not interested in a true ceasefire and is using negotiations only to avoid sanctions. Russia’s oil and gas industry is crucial; Moscow was sanctioned by Ukraine’s backers after its full-scale invasion began in early 2022.
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Trump clashed with Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev over “highly provocative” statements, deploying U.S. Navy nuclear submarines as a response.
Ukrainian officials emphasize their desire for an end to the war without rewarding Russia or allowing it to seize territory from Kyiv. They want security guarantees and full military autonomy, opposing any neutral status. Ukraine’s memorandum during talks in Turkey this summer sought a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and addressed humanitarian issues like prisoner exchanges.
Russia’s demands remain far from what Ukraine is willing to accept. Moscow proposed two 30-day ceasefires: one involving Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas regions and Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and another focusing on halting military build-up and lifting martial law. Russia has pushed for recognition of its control over annexed regions and for Ukraine to abandon NATO membership in favor of neutrality.
European leaders issued a joint statement supporting the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. They also offered a counterproposal after a meeting with Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
In summary, while Trump seeks peace, Russia demands significant concessions, creating a complex diplomatic situation that could shape future negotiations.
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