Overview

• Trump calls the Aug. 15 Alaska summit a “feel-out meeting” and says he will press Putin for an immediate ceasefire
• He has suggested possible territorial “swaps,” raising fears that a deal could legitimize Russia’s gains without Kyiv’s approval
• A virtual meeting on Wednesday will bring together Trump, Zelenskiy and EU leaders to press for Ukraine’s participation before the bilateral talks
• Analysts warn the U.S. could strike a unilateral deal with Russia and then pressure Ukraine into unfavorable terms by threatening to withhold arms and intelligence support
• Observers view the summit as largely symbolic for Putin but caution that any substantive agreements could reshape European security dynamics