As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, Western allies and Ukraine have solidified a unified stance on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A high-level video conference involving European Union leaders, NATO officials, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored shared demands for a ceasefire and security guarantees ahead of the pivotal summit.
Trump Warns of 'Serious Consequences'
Trump emphasized that successful talks with Putin could lead to a follow-up trilateral meeting including Zelenskyy. He warned of intensified sanctions against Russia if negotiations fail, urging European partners to support secondary measures. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this, framing economic pressure as a key leverage point.
Zelenskyy's Five Principles
Zelenskyy outlined five non-negotiable principles agreed upon by Western leaders, including direct Ukrainian involvement in peace talks, immediate ceasefire implementation, and blocking Russian veto power over Ukraine's NATO aspirations. "Everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine," he stated during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Europe Backs Unified Front
European leaders stressed the need to protect regional security and Ukraine's sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron insisted territorial discussions must include Kyiv, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declared, "The ball is now in Putin's court." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted strengthened transatlantic coordination for a "just and lasting peace."
Territorial Red Lines
Both Kyiv and Moscow reaffirmed inflexible positions on territorial claims. Zelenskyy vowed to uphold Ukraine's constitutional integrity, while Russian officials asserted that their country's borders are "enshrined in the Constitution." The White House clarified that Zelenskyy's absence from the Alaska summit reflects Putin's initial bilateral meeting proposal, with trilateral talks contingent on initial progress.
