Trump Plans August Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Territorial Disputes

President Donald Trump announced a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, which he suggested could involve territorial swaps benefiting both countries. Despite Trump's cautious optimism, the Kremlin has not endorsed a three-way summit including Ukraine, and Russian officials have not publicly responded to ceasefire proposals, creating uncertainty about the meeting's impact. Ukrainian officials, including MP Oleksandr Merezhko, strongly oppose any territorial concessions, citing constitutional and international law barriers and warning against setting dangerous precedents. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Trump's decision on imposing secondary sanctions on Russia would be forthcoming, and he expressed cautious views on whether a summit would close the deal without significant progress in negotiations. Analysts have criticized Trump's approach as rushed and risky, with concerns that Ukraine might be sidelined in any deal favored by Russia. Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground in Ukraine, underscoring the ongoing conflict despite diplomatic efforts.