President Donald Trump is setting the stage for his highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska, describing it as a "feel-out meeting." Trump’s choice of words signals a cautious, exploratory approach as both sides size each other up after years of strained ties.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump floated the idea of including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a future gathering—or even inviting him to Friday’s face-to-face. A senior White House official confirmed Trump’s openness to a trilateral summit, and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said Zelenskyy’s attendance is still on the table.
But Trump isn’t the only one navigating the diplomatic chessboard. European leaders and the Ukraine team have launched a coordinated effort to shape the U.S. stance before the Alaska meeting. Germany is convening a series of top-level video conferences on Wednesday, including a 3 p.m. session with European leaders, Zelenskyy, Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Behind the scenes, EU foreign ministers and NATO officials are pooling analysis and mapping out strategic talking points. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X that ministers "expressed support for U.S. steps that will lead to a just peace," while also planning "more sanctions against Russia, more military support for Ukraine, and aid for Ukraine’s EU accession process."
Meanwhile, Kyiv is pressuring Western capitals, warning that territorial concessions would only embolden Moscow. Zelenskyy has tapped his global network—holding calls with India and Saudi Arabia—to build momentum for a firm negotiating position ahead of the summit. European capitals echoed the sentiment: the U.K. supports Trump’s peace bid but insists Kyiv must have a seat at the table, and Italy’s foreign minister stressed that any deal must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom to chart its own future.
As Alaska draws near, the world is watching a high-stakes diplomatic game in real time. For Trump and Putin, the "feel-out meeting" offers a chance to break the ice. For Ukraine and its allies, the summit is a test of whether shared interests can outweigh decades of mistrust—and whether a genuine path to peace can emerge from the political flux.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
