US President Donald Trump has said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “ready to make a deal” on ending the war in Ukraine, ahead of their planned summit in Alaska. Speaking to reporters, Trump estimated there was a 75% chance the meeting would succeed but stressed it would likely be just the first step towards a lasting resolution. His suggestion that Russia and Ukraine might eventually have to “divvy things up” territorially drew immediate concern from Kyiv and its European allies.
Alaska meeting seen as potential breakthrough
The summit, scheduled for Friday, will be the first direct meeting between Trump and Putin since renewed US diplomatic efforts began earlier this year. Trump hinted that a second trilateral summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could follow, describing it as the forum where any territorial arrangements might be discussed. He added he would be able to judge the likelihood of success within minutes of sitting down with Putin.
Putin signals openness and broader agenda
Putin praised what he called Washington’s “energetic and sincere” efforts to end the conflict. He also suggested that a new nuclear arms control agreement could be included in the talks, potentially broadening the scope of the discussions beyond Ukraine. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether it would support a trilateral meeting but said it remained open to “practical” dialogue.
Kyiv and Europe raise concerns
The Ukrainian government reacted swiftly to Trump’s comments, reiterating that no deal could be made without its direct involvement. European leaders have also voiced unease, warning against any settlement that might compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. Several EU states have urged Washington to ensure any agreement includes firm security guarantees and continued support for Ukraine’s defence.
Diplomatic stakes and possible outcomes
Analysts say the Alaska summit could set the tone for the next phase of the war. A breakthrough could open the door to broader negotiations, while failure might deepen divisions between the US and its allies over how to approach the conflict. The inclusion of nuclear arms talks could either provide leverage for compromise or complicate efforts to reach a focused agreement on Ukraine.
Outlook ahead of the summit
The meeting is expected to be closely watched in capitals around the world. Markets, security analysts, and humanitarian groups are preparing for a range of outcomes, from tentative ceasefire arrangements to a collapse in talks. For now, Trump’s remarks have injected both hope and uncertainty into a diplomatic process still defined by mistrust and high stakes.
REFH – Newshub, 15 August 2025
Recent Comments