The Trump and Putin summit in Alaska is making global headlines. But for all the spotlight on global unity, one absence is impossible to ignore: Ukraine is not going to be at the table. A Ukraine – Russia Summit without Ukraine?
In the midst of its ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine’s exclusion has left analysts, diplomats, and ordinary citizens around the world questioning the message this summit is sending. Is the omission a sign of diplomatic fatigue? Or is it a strategic move that could reshape the dynamics of the conflict?
The summit without Ukraine has drawn widespread concern akraine the world. It unfolds in Anchorage at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, marking the first summit between Trump and Putin since 2021. This meeting is set to focus on the Russia-Ukraine war but does so without a seat for Ukraine at the table.
As reported by Al Jazeera, Vladimir Putin is praising Donald Trump’s “energetic and sincere” push to end the war, a language that signals hope for a breakthrough after years of conflict. Despite that optimism, many see this summit without Ukraine as a dangerous sidestep that may weaken Ukraine’s bargaining position.
Why Alaska? Where it’s held is not irrelevant. Alaska has Russian roots and strategic ties to Moscow. The location doubles as symbolism, historic ties, Arctic proximity, and a neutral ground where Putin is allowed to travel. Hosting Putin in such symbolic territory adds weight to the event, making it as much about optics as outcomes.
Kyiv has pushed back hard. President Zelenskyy warns that any deal made without Ukraine would deliver “dead solutions” that won’t last. He insists peace talks must include Ukraine or risk undermining lasting peace. European leaders alike argued that any meaningful resolution must involve Ukraine directly. They warn that a deal crafted in their absence risks being hollow or worse.
Even locally, the mood reflects the tension, and the unfamiliar spotlight. The Guardian captures that feeling with: “Anchorage abuzz ahead of Trump–Putin summit – but ‘please don’t sell us back.’” It shows how Alaskans are uneasy but intrigued by the global gaze focused on their city.
Adding to the tension, Trump floated the idea of territorial swaps, possibly areas around Donbas or southern regions to end the war. Meanwhile, Putin pushes for Ukraine to drop NATO ambitions and give up parts it holds.
This summit without Ukraine is not just about Ukraine. It raises alarms about whether diplomacy may end up rewarding Russia’s aggression. Critics point to risks of verifying Russia’s aggressive territorial claims and signaling that force yields results. CNN frames it clearly as a diplomatic crossroads: “Trump says Putin will make deal on Ukraine as leaders prepare for Alaska meeting”
Inside the U.S., Trump frames himself as a would-be peacemaker. He’s reportedly eyeing a ceasefire, then a potential follow-on meeting including Zelenskyy. But many eyes remain skeptical. Putin has firm demands. Analysts say a lasting peace outcome is unlikely unless Ukraine is part of the solution.
The symbolism may also work for Putin. The meeting is a diplomatic win. It gives him a global stage and the appearance of legitimacy without making concessions.
This summit without Ukraine reveals a fundamental tension. On one hand, there’s the chance of a diplomatic breakthrough. On the other, sidelining Ukraine risks souring alliances, undermining global norms, and giving momentum to aggressive power politics.
Will this summit without Ukraine lead to real peace, or just freeze a dangerous reality? Will Ukraine get pulled in later, or remain excluded? The answers may come at the press conference after the talks, but the consequences stretch far beyond Alaska.
Also on BWFMedia TV: 5 DISTURBING DETAILS ABOUT SHANE TAMURA AND THE NEW YORK SHOOTING THE MEDIA ISN’T TELLING YOU
[…] Also on BWFMedia TV: AUGUST 15TH ALASKA SUMMIT WITHOUT UKRAINE SPARKS EXPLOSIVE GLOBAL ATTENTION ON TRUMP AND PUTIN […]