**Trump and Putin Set for Alaska Summit to Debate Ukraine Conflict**

Zelensky emphasizes the necessity of including Ukraine in peace negotiations as critical territories remain under debate.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska next Friday, August 15, to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, confirmed by both leaders, highlights Alaska's geographical proximity to Russia as a strategic choice for talks. Amidst the increasing complexity of the war, Trump indicated he anticipates “some swapping of territories” as a potential avenue toward resolution.

The announcement follows Trump’s previous statements suggesting Ukraine may need to relinquish territories to expedite peace following Russia's invasion in February 2022. He acknowledged the substantial loss of life on both sides and discussed the intricate nature of territorial negotiations, hinting at possible agreements that might involve Russia maintaining control over regions such as Donbas and Crimea, while conceding other areas like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has firmly asserted that any peace discussions must involve Ukrainian consent. He has stated any unilateral proposals concerning territorial adjustments would violate Ukrainian sovereignty, emphasizing the nation's constitutional stance against ceding land to aggressors. Zelensky expressed readiness to collaborate with international partners to achieve “real and lasting peace.”

While the details of the upcoming summit are still fluid, reports suggest that there remains a lack of consensus between Ukraine, Russia, and European allies regarding acceptable peace conditions. Past negotiations have stalled, with Moscow's demands perceived by Kyiv as detrimental to its sovereignty.

As Trump prepares for the talks, he remains optimistic about reaching a trilateral agreement that, he believes, aligns the interests of the involved leaders. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Ukraine is equipped for negotiations, revealing a complex intertwining of military, political, and diplomatic factors at play.

The looming meeting marks the first in-person dialogue between the leaders since the intensification of hostilities, contrasting with the diplomatic attempts made by previous administrations. As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of their discussions could bear significant implications not only for Ukraine but for global perceptions of conflict resolution in the modern era.