Trump, Putin Plan Alaska Summit on Ukraine Peace

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a forthcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, aiming to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, potentially involving territorial exchanges. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed cautious optimism about a ceasefire, contingent on sustained international pressure on Russia. The meeting marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, as previous Western approaches largely isolated Putin following the 2022 invasion. However, the summit faces complexities, including Putin's reluctance to meet Zelenskiy and ambiguity over whether trilateral talks will precede the summit. International reactions are mixed, with some viewing the meeting as a diplomatic win for Russia, while European powers like France, Germany, and the U.K. are expected to continue supporting Ukraine regardless of U.S. policy shifts. The summit underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and sanctions in the ongoing conflict.