Trump, Putin Expected to Meet on Ukraine Peace Amid EU Calls for Concrete Results

The upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska is seen as a critical yet uncertain step toward addressing the war in Ukraine. European leaders and officials emphasize that any progress must involve genuine actions, including direct negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who refuses to cede territory to Russia and will not attend the meeting. Trump has described the summit as a "feel-out meeting" aimed at gauging Putin's proposals for peace, while also expecting to share any fair deal with European and Ukrainian leaders. Despite hopes for constructive talks, there is widespread concern that Putin may seek to delay or evade meaningful concessions, using the meeting as a photo opportunity rather than a serious negotiation. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted that while no party may be fully satisfied, there remains a chance for peace if negotiations proceed, underscoring Trump's unique role in potentially resolving the conflict. The EU insists that any agreement must respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with real peace requiring Ukraine's direct involvement in talks.