Overview

• The bilateral Alaska summit is set for August 15, marking the first U.S.–Russia presidential meeting since 2021.
• European Union leaders issued a joint declaration insisting that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” a stance endorsed by President Zelenski.
• President Trump is weighing a late invitation for Ukrainian President Zelenski to attend, with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker saying his participation is “possible.”
• The Kremlin has firmly rejected any Ukrainian presence, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov urging Washington to drop pressure tactics and warning that the nuclear risk remains high.
• Vice President J.D. Vance warned that any peace package brokered at the summit is likely to leave both Russia and Ukraine dissatisfied.