Trump mulls inviting Zelensky to Alaska summit with Putin amid peace efforts

The White House is considering extending an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to join U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at their Aug 15 summit in Alaska, according to multiple sources briefed on the discussions. However, no confirmation has yet been made.

The summit, originally planned as a bilateral meeting, could evolve into a three-way dialogue—if Zelensky's attendance is finalized.

A senior US official described the idea as “absolutely possible,” with optimism from administration insiders that the Ukrainian leader might join the talks.

Ukraine has firmly rejected any peace deal that excludes it. President Zelensky has vowed not to cede a single inch of its territory in exchange for peace.

European leaders have echoed his stance, demanding that Ukraine be fully represented in any negotiations and strong guarantees made before discussions proceed.

The 2025 Russia–United States Summit, scheduled for Aug 15 in Alaska, marks the first high-level bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin since Trump’s return to office in 2025.

Talks are expected to focus on achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, with early reports hinting at possible territorial swaps—controversial proposals that have already sparked backlash.

Ukraine and its European allies are pushing for a ceasefire-first approach, coupled with firm security assurances for Kyiv.

Western leaders have warned that agreements made without Ukraine at the table risk legitimizing Russian aggression and would make peace unsustainable.