In just a few days, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska. While officially a bilateral summit, the talks could have far-reaching consequences for the war in Ukraine – and for Europe’s overall security.
The threat of exclusion
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Europe has supported Kyiv with military aid, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing in international forums. Yet Ukraine now risks being sidelined. So far, there has been no formal invitation for Kyiv to attend the Alaska summit, setting off alarm bells in European capitals. Leaders fear that decisions could be made about the future of territories currently occupied by Russia without Ukraine’s participation. There is also concern that peace arrangements without robust security guarantees would amount to little more than a pause in the conflict, rather than a lasting solution.
A hasty coordination effort
To maximize their influence, European leaders have initiated a major virtual meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Joining that call will be Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several European heads of government, and senior NATO officials. The aim is clear: to agree collectively on what is and is not acceptable in the Alaska talks, and to communicate that stance firmly and with one voice.
Time as the enemy
The Alaska summit is planned for the end of this week, leaving no room for drawn-out diplomatic maneuvering or lengthy preparations. Wednesday’s meeting is likely Europe’s last real opportunity to shape the discussions between Washington and Moscow.
What’s at stake
For Europe, this is about more than solidarity with Ukraine. The outcome of the Alaska talks could directly shift the balance of power in Europe. An agreement that weakens Ukraine could undermine the security of neighboring countries and erode confidence in Europe’s own security guarantees. That’s why European leaders are determined to ensure Ukraine’s voice is heard and that any agreement is strong enough to prevent a renewed outbreak of hostilities.
The diplomatic front alongside the battlefield
The sprint toward Alaska underscores that wars are decided not only on the battlefield, but also behind closed doors – in meeting rooms and on video calls. Whether Europe can play a decisive role this time will only become clear once the first reports emerge from Alaska.
