Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: Zelensky's Role Uncertain as Europe Pushes Back

Breaking: The White House hasn't ruled out Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending events during Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday. The surprise summit announcement sparked urgent diplomatic talks, with European leaders demanding Ukraine’s direct involvement in any peace negotiations.

Key Developments:

Summit Details:

• Trump will meet Putin in Alaska (exact location TBA) on July 19th.
• Zelensky could participate in "some meetings" after the Trump-Putin talks, per White House sources.
• Trump called the meeting after Putin shared a secret peace proposal via U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

European Demands:
In emergency talks with VP JD Vance in England, leaders from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the EU insisted:

• Ukraine must be included in negotiations about its future.
• A ceasefire must precede any peace talks.

• Territorial concessions require mutual compromises from Russia.

Contested Peace Terms:

• Putin reportedly demands Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region.
• Zelensky firmly rejects land concessions: "Ukraine has freedom of choice over its destiny."
• European leaders warn: "Borders cannot be changed by force

Why It Matters:

The summit risks sidelining Ukraine while Russia presses for territorial gains. Europe’s joint statement underscores deep concerns: "The path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine." With Trump hinting at "swapping territories," Friday’s talks could reshape the war’s trajectory.

What’s Next?
Zelensky says U.S. officials are listening to his concerns. All eyes are on whether he’ll travel to Alaska—and if Europe’s red lines will shape Trump’s strategy.