For nearly three years, Washington’s stance on the war in Ukraine has been clear: “No negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
But when US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday, Ukrainian leaders will not be in the room — unless a last-minute invitation changes the plan. The absence of Kyiv has sparked alarm, especially after Trump openly floated the idea of “land swaps” with no mention of security guarantees or continued military aid for Ukraine.
Kyiv’s Firm Rejection
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly dismissed the idea, stressing that the Ukrainian Constitution forbids giving up territory.
“Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” Zelensky declared. “Any solutions against us, any solutions without Ukraine, are solutions against peace. They are dead solutions.”
The comments come amid fears in Kyiv that Trump’s vision of a “peace accord” could resemble the 1945 Yalta Conference, where major powers divided post-war Europe — often at the expense of smaller nations.
Political Risks for Trump
While Zelensky faces the immediate risk of losing territory and sovereignty, Trump also carries significant political exposure. Analysts warn that being seen as forcing millions of Ukrainians into concessions without enforceable guarantees could be disastrous, especially if Putin later reignites the conflict.
Tressa Guenov of the Atlantic Council cautioned that Trump appears to treat Putin as a “partner or friend,” a dynamic the Kremlin could exploit.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, had previously suggested a trilateral meeting with Zelensky, but Trump dismissed the idea when pressed by reporters. A senior US official has since said the president is still “open” to such talks, though the Trump–Putin bilateral is set to proceed.
Europe’s United Stand
The gap between Washington’s and Europe’s approaches has widened. On Saturday, after a meeting in London with US Vice President JD Vance, European leaders — including those from France, Britain, Italy, Germany, and the European Commission — reiterated that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.”
Their joint statement called for “robust and credible security guarantees” for Kyiv, underscoring continued diplomatic, military, and financial support.
Putin’s Demands and Trump’s Signals
Russian officials insist Ukraine must formally cede the four regions Moscow claimed in 2022, as well as recognize Crimea as Russian territory. Trump has hinted that “swapping territories” could be part of a deal — remarks Zelensky has flatly rejected.
“We’re going to get some back, and we’re going to get some switched,” Trump told reporters, without clarifying who “we” referred to.
For Putin, just securing a high-profile meeting with Trump — especially without Ukraine present — is already a strategic win.
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