- Ukraine and Germany led a virtual summit with President Trump and European leaders two days before the Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska.
- Zelenskyy says a ceasefire is the top priority; Trump agreed to raise it directly with Putin.
- Europe insists Ukraine must be at the table for any follow-up; a second meeting could come quickly if Friday’s talks progress.
The Big Picture
With the Trump–Putin meeting set for Friday, August 15, 2025, in Alaska, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz led a virtual summit with President Trump and European leaders to reaffirm Kyiv’s principle: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” according to Euronews. After the call, Zelenskyy said a ceasefire is the top priority for both Wednesday’s talks and the upcoming summit—and that Trump agreed to make it central in his conversation with Putin.
What’s New
Trump cast the Alaska meeting as “setting the table” for a second session that would include both Putin and Zelenskyy if the first discussion goes well, as reported by Euronews. Zelenskyy said he and Trump would speak immediately after the Alaska talks to assess outcomes and decide next steps. Merz said European leaders are trying to guide the process “in the right direction,” arguing for a sequence: first a ceasefire, then a framework agreement, and later any talks on territorial issues at the contact line, as reported by Euronews.
What They’re Saying
Context
Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Ukraine must be present at any talks aimed at ending the war, as reported by Euronews. Zelenskyy has urged partners not to take Moscow’s pledges at face value, arguing that previous contacts were followed by escalated attacks. He maintains sanctions are hitting Russia’s economy and should continue alongside efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses and secure reliable security guarantees.
What’s Next
Trump said Friday’s Alaska session would be one-on-one with Putin. If it shows promise, a second meeting—potentially bilateral or trilateral—could follow “almost immediately,” with Zelenskyy’s participation. Kyiv and European capitals plan to coordinate after the Alaska talks to determine next steps, with Europe emphasizing a verifiable ceasefire first, followed by a structured diplomatic track.
The Bottom Line
Kyiv and Europe want a ceasefire up front and Ukraine at the table. Trump is keeping the first round limited to Putin, but he’s floated a rapid second meeting that could include Zelenskyy if progress is made.
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