US Pledges European Consultation Ahead Trump-Putin Alaska Summit

Ahead of the August 15 summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the United States has pledged to coordinate closely with European allies to present a unified stance, underscoring the importance of preserving Ukraine's territorial integrity as a matter of both regional and global security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed mixed feelings about the meeting, acknowledging Trump's unpredictable tactics while emphasizing that Western nations will not accept Russian demands amounting to seizure of Ukrainian territory. European leaders have sought direct engagement with Trump prior to the summit, with consultations involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance, British and EU officials, and an emergency EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting convened to strategize on influencing the summit outcomes "from afar." The negotiations remain fraught with uncertainty, especially concerning Russia's demands for Ukraine to renounce NATO membership and withdraw from occupied regions, while Moscow offers limited territorial concessions. Despite the unsettled nature of the talks and Ukraine's unclear role, the transatlantic alliance aims to avoid any agreements excluding Kyiv, reflecting deep concerns over potential "land swaps" and territorial exchanges. Overall, the international community is focused on ensuring that any diplomatic outcomes uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and security guarantees.