Trump-Putin Alaska Summit Intensifies Ukraine Peace Talks

Negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war are intensifying ahead of a high-stakes Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned that a possible peace deal may involve frozen front lines and territorial concessions, likely leaving both Russia and Ukraine dissatisfied. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the summit will test Putin's seriousness about a ceasefire and stressed the need for any agreement to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and right to self-determination. European leaders insist Ukraine must be involved in negotiations and oppose any settlement imposed without Kyiv's consent. While initial talks are expected to be bilateral at Russia's request, Trump has not ruled out a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Rutte credited Trump with increasing pressure on Moscow and aligning with calls for security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential NATO membership.