The White House is weighing the possibility of inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a highly anticipated summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next week. According to senior US officials and insiders, discussions are underway about including Zelensky in the talks, which aim to find a resolution to Moscow’s 41-month-old invasion of Ukraine.
While no formal invitation has been extended to Zelensky, a senior official described it as “absolutely” possible that the Ukrainian leader could travel to Alaska for the pivotal summit. It’s unclear, however, whether the warring leaders would share the same room if Zelensky attends. Trump announced plans to meet with Putin on August 15, seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting would mark the first US-Russian bilateral summit since former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2021.
Trump emphasized the need for security arrangements, which might delay the meeting. He suggested a potential proposal could involve swapping territories to benefit both nations affected by the war. Trump expressed willingness to meet Putin face-to-face before involving Zelensky in talks, although the White House confirmed no such plans have been finalized.
The potential summit and possible inclusion of Zelensky highlight the complexities of international diplomacy. With the US, Russia, and Ukraine engaged in a delicate balancing act, the outcome of the summit remains uncertain. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: diplomatic efforts will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ukraine and the global community.
