White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (August 12) said that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a "listening exercise" for the US president. This comes just two days ahead of their meeting in Alaska, where the two leaders will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and peace proposals.The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.When asked about why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the Alaska Summit, Leavitt replied that the meeting came at Putin's request, relayed to Trump by special envoy Steve Witkoff after he visited Moscow."The goal of this meeting for the president is to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war," Leavitt told reporters.A reporter asked if Zelensky has given Trump any red lines ahead of talks with Putin. She replied, "The president has deep respect for all parties that are involved in this conflict and are trying to bring this conflict to an end."Leavitt added, "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end."“Sitting face to face, rather than speaking over the telephone, will give this president the best indication of how to end this war and where this is headed,” she said.On selecting Alaska as the meeting point, the White House spokesperson said, "The president is very honored and looks forward to hosting President Putin on American soil."A reporter asked Leavitt about Trump's verbal slip-up yesterday during the briefing, when he mistakenly said that he plans to go to Russia, instead of Alaska.Leavitt said Trump's plans to go to Alaska, but did not close the door to him visiting Putin in Russia down the road. "Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia and on Friday, the president will be meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, as you know," she said.

The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday (August 12) said that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a "listening exercise" for the US president. This comes just two days ahead of their meeting in Alaska, where the two leaders will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and peace proposals. The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday. When asked about why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the Alaska Summit, Leavitt replied that the meeting came at Putin's request, relayed to Trump by special envoy Steve Witkoff after he visited Moscow. "The goal of this meeting for the president is to walk away with a better understanding of how we can end this war," Leavitt told reporters. A reporter asked if Zelensky has given Trump any red lines ahead of talks with Putin. She replied, "The president has deep respect for all parties that are involved in this conflict and are trying to bring this conflict to an end." Leavitt added, "I think this is a listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present. And so this is for the president to go and to get, again, a more firm and better understanding of how we can hopefully bring this war to an end." “Sitting face to face, rather than speaking over the telephone, will give this president the best indication of how to end this war and where this is headed,” she said. On selecting Alaska as the meeting point, the White House spokesperson said, "The president is very honored and looks forward to hosting President Putin on American soil." A reporter asked Leavitt about Trump's verbal slip-up yesterday during the briefing, when he mistakenly said that he plans to go to Russia, instead of Alaska. Leavitt said Trump's plans to go to Alaska, but did not close the door to him visiting Putin in Russia down the road. "Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia and on Friday, the president will be meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, as you know," she said.

The meeting between Trump and Putin will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, the White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

'Only one party involved': Trump-Putin meeting a 'listening exercise' for US president

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to European leaders on Tuesday for supporting Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity after European Union leadership issued a statement backing Kyiv’s interests ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.&nbsp;Zelensky said in a post on X, “I am grateful to the leaders of Europe for their clear support of our independence, territorial integrity, and precisely such an active approach to diplomacy that can help end this war with a dignified peace. Indeed, we all support President Trump’s determination, and together we must shape positions that will not allow Russia to deceive the world once again.”&nbsp;Zelensky added that the Russian army is not preparing to end the war and is instead making movements that indicate preparations for new offensive operations. In such circumstances, it is important that the unity of the world is not threatened.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Issues related to the security of Ukraine and Europe are discussed by all of us together. Any decision must add to our joint security capabilities. And if Russia refuses to stop the killings, it must be held accountable,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am grateful to the leaders of Europe for their clear support of our independence, territorial integrity, and precisely such an active approach to diplomacy that can help end this war with a dignified peace. Indeed, we all support President Trump’s determination, and together…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1955189164644635058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“As long as they continue the war and occupation, all of us together must maintain our pressure – the pressure of strength, the pressure of sanctions, the pressure of diplomacy. I thank everyone who is helping. Peace through strength,” Zelensky said.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, European Union leaders issued a statement welcoming the efforts of President Trump towards ending “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.”The statement read, “A just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force.”The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine, mentioned the statement signed by EU leaders, except Hungary.&nbsp;Earlier, EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, had convened a meeting of EU foreign ministers and said that any deal between the US and Russia should involve Ukraine and the EU.

The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine, mentioned the statement signed by all European Union leaders, except Hungary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to European leaders on Tuesday for supporting Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity after European Union leadership issued a statement backing Kyiv’s interests ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Zelensky said in a post on X, “I am grateful to the leaders of Europe for their clear support of our independence, territorial integrity, and precisely such an active approach to diplomacy that can help end this war with a dignified peace. Indeed, we all support President Trump’s determination, and together we must shape positions that will not allow Russia to deceive the world once again.” Zelensky added that the Russian army is not preparing to end the war and is instead making movements that indicate preparations for new offensive operations. In such circumstances, it is important that the unity of the world is not threatened. “Issues related to the security of Ukraine and Europe are discussed by all of us together. Any decision must add to our joint security capabilities. And if Russia refuses to stop the killings, it must be held accountable,” he added.

The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine, mentioned the statement signed by all European Union leaders, except Hungary.

Zelensky thanks EU leaders for supporting Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity

Ahead of his meeting with Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump hinted at some ‘land swaps’ for Russia in order to end the Ukraine war. Given that the US had bought Alaska pretty cheap back in the day, it's quite ironic that the northern American state is the venue of the proposed ‘new land deal’. Here is a look at how Alaska was the place of 'land transfers' between the US and Russia and the irony of it being the venue of the Putin-Trump summit on Friday (Aug 15).<h2>When the US bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million on a bargain</h2>At the time of the purchase in 1867, the deal led by then US secretary of state William Seward was derided as "Seward’s Folly", as many thought that Alaska was a frozen wasteland with no value.Russia was hard-pressed to sell the territory to the US due to economic woes and the fall in fur trade, the only thing Alaska was known for at the time.But today, Alaska is literally sitting on a goldmine: It has natural resources in gold, oil, and critical minerals.<h2>Alaska's transition from being part of Russia to the US</h2>Back in the 19th century, Alaska was part of what's known as Russian America. Russian nationalists even today view its sale to America as a historic mistake.&nbsp; Some of them often raised the need for Russia to reclaim Alaska, but in 2014, Putin dismissed this as a pointless idea, even saying the place was “too cold.”Note that it was sold at 2 cents per acre to the US, making it the most valuable acquisition of the US when one looks at its economic potential today.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-us-ambassador-to-nato-says-zelenskyy-could-attend-alaska-summit-1754882956148/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-us-ambassador-to-nato-says-zelenskyy-could-attend-alaska-summit-1754882956148/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>The Russian influence in Alaska continues</h2>The Russian Orhodox Church still functions in Alaska, and communities with Russian heritage, like the Old Believers, still live in the US state. And if one looks at the map, the US and Russia are only 2.5 miles apart at the Diomede Islands in Alaska.<h2>Trump's potential ‘land swap’ deal with Russia at Alaska summit</h2>Cut to 2025, and Trump has already floated the idea of a "swapping of territories" as part of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Ahead of his summit with Putin, Trump said such a land deal would be for the "betterment of both" Russia and Ukraine. This land proposal, in several ways, mirrors the 1867 Alaska purchase. The land swap, if it happens, will have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine and Russia, like the Alaska deal had for the US and Russia.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected any such land concessions, insisting that Russia must not receive any rewards for its aggression. This stance is also a sharp contrast with Russia’s own past decision to sell Alaska voluntarily. (Note that Ukraine was once part of the larger, Russia-led Soviet Union).<h2>Will Trump give Alaska back to Russia?</h2>Interesting side note here: On Monday (Aug 11), while addressing the media, Trump mistakenly said he would meet Putin "in Russia" before correcting himself to Alaska. This led to mockery online, with critics saying Trump might think Alaska is still Russian and might even offer it back to Putin. But there is a view that Trump's choice of Alaska for the summit is full of symbolism and a show of American strength: meeting Putin in a land his nation once owned. Pro-Putin propagandists could, however, play up the nationalist aspects of this if he wins some territory from Ukraine. He could paint it as Russia reclaiming lost territories.<h2>Will the miscalculations of Alaska Purchase repeat in 2025?</h2>It would be a strategic loss for Ukraine, and a miscalculation for the US and West, if Ukrainian territories like Donetsk or Luhansk are given to Russia in a Trump-mediated deal, much worse if it happens without the presence or consent of Zelensky.The sale of Alaska was a historical blunder for Russia and a geopolitical victory for the US. At the Alaska summit, the themes of undervaluation, nationalism, and misjudged diplomacy will play out again, and the irony will not be lost on anyone who knows history.

Russia was hard-pressed to sell the territory to the US due to economic woes and the fall in fur trade, the only thing Alaska was known for at the time. But today, Alaska is literally sitting on a goldmine: It has natural resources in gold, oil, and critical minerals.



Ahead of his meeting with Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump hinted at some ‘land swaps’ for Russia in order to end the Ukraine war. Given that the US had bought Alaska pretty cheap back in the day, it's quite ironic that the northern American state is the venue of the proposed ‘new land deal’. Here is a look at how Alaska was the place of 'land transfers' between the US and Russia and the irony of it being the venue of the Putin-Trump summit on Friday (Aug 15). When the US bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million on a bargain At the time of the purchase in 1867, the deal led by then US secretary of state William Seward was derided as "Seward’s Folly", as many thought that Alaska was a frozen wasteland with no value. Russia was hard-pressed to sell the territory to the US due to economic woes and the fall in fur trade, the only thing Alaska was known for at the time. But today, Alaska is literally sitting on a goldmine: It has natural resources in gold, oil, and critical minerals. Alaska's transition from being part of Russia to the US Back in the 19th century, Alaska was part of what's known as Russian America. Russian nationalists even today view its sale to America as a historic mistake. Some of them often raised the need for Russia to reclaim Alaska, but in 2014, Putin dismissed this as a pointless idea, even saying the place was “too cold.” Note that it was sold at 2 cents per acre to the US, making it the most valuable acquisition of the US when one looks at its economic potential today. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-us-ambassador-to-nato-says-zelenskyy-could-attend-alaska-summit-1754882956148/embed The Russian influence in Alaska continues The Russian Orhodox Church still functions in Alaska, and communities with Russian heritage, like the Old Believers, still live in the US state. And if one looks at the map, the US and Russia are only 2.5 miles apart at the Diomede Islands in Alaska. Trump's potential ‘land swap’ deal with Russia at Alaska summit Cut to 2025, and Trump has already floated the idea of a "swapping of territories" as part of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Ahead of his summit with Putin, Trump said such a land deal would be for the "betterment of both" Russia and Ukraine. This land proposal, in several ways, mirrors the 1867 Alaska purchase. The land swap, if it happens, will have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine and Russia, like the Alaska deal had for the US and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected any such land concessions, insisting that Russia must not receive any rewards for its aggression. This stance is also a sharp contrast with Russia’s own past decision to sell Alaska voluntarily. (Note that Ukraine was once part of the larger, Russia-led Soviet Union). Will Trump give Alaska back to Russia? Interesting side note here: On Monday (Aug 11), while addressing the media, Trump mistakenly said he would meet Putin "in Russia" before correcting himself to Alaska. This led to mockery online, with critics saying Trump might think Alaska is still Russian and might even offer it back to Putin. But there is a view that Trump's choice of Alaska for the summit is full of symbolism and a show of American strength: meeting Putin in a land his nation once owned. Pro-Putin propagandists could, however, play up the nationalist aspects of this if he wins some territory from Ukraine. He could paint it as Russia reclaiming lost territories. Will the miscalculations of Alaska Purchase repeat in 2025? It would be a strategic loss for Ukraine, and a miscalculation for the US and West, if Ukrainian territories like Donetsk or Luhansk are given to Russia in a Trump-mediated deal, much worse if it happens without the presence or consent of Zelensky. The sale of Alaska was a historical blunder for Russia and a geopolitical victory for the US. At the Alaska summit, the themes of undervaluation, nationalism, and misjudged diplomacy will play out again, and the irony will not be lost on anyone who knows history.

Russia was hard-pressed to sell the territory to the US due to economic woes and the fall in fur trade, the only thing Alaska was known for at the time. But today, Alaska is literally sitting on a goldmine: It has natural resources in gold, oil, and critical minerals.&nbsp;

Historical IRONY: Russians sold Alaska cheap to US, now Trump offers some Ukraine 'land swap' to Putin as they meet in the same place

US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are scheduled to discuss a way out of the Ukraine war in Alaska on Friday (Aug 15). The choice of Alaska is significant, after intial speculation of Saudi Arabia and Rome as potential ventues. Alaska, once a remote Russian outpost, is currently a crucial aspect of US military strategy and showcases its dominance. It has several US bases, performing a vast range of operations from missile defence to air superiority to space monitoring. Alaska has a strategic location, being near both Asia and Russia. Located near the Arctic, it will also be a crucial theatre in the future competition for natural resources. Here is a breakdown of Alaska's military significance for the US.<h2>Why Alaska is strategically important for the US</h2>Alaska is close to both Asia and Russia, with its westernmost point just 55 miles from Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. It is, therefore, a crucial point for the US to monitor Russian military activity.As the US gateway to the Arctic, the state is emerging as a hub for new shipping routes, like the Northwest Passage. As the Arctic ice melts, more opportunities are arising for exploring natural wealth in Alaska, which also makes it an area of competition for oil, gas and critical minerals. Alaska is a crucial component of American power projection in the Indo-Pacific, with bases like JBER and Eielson enabling rapid response to future potential conflicts with China and North Korea.The air defence system in Fort Greely is a key aspect of US defence against ICBMs from adversaries like North Korea or China.Bolstering the space force, Alaska's Clear Space Force Station enhances early warning capabilities.Here are further details:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-detects-russian-military-aircraft-operating-in-alaskan-air-defense-identification-zone-8736187/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-detects-russian-military-aircraft-operating-in-alaskan-air-defense-identification-zone-8736187/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>US military establishments in Alaska</h2>Alaska hosts key military installations of the US, like the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, which consists of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. Together, they support the US air superiority, rapid deployment, and Arctic operations. The Eielson Air Force Base is used for Arctic air operations and the Red Flag-Alaska exercises. Fort Greely hosts the Ground-Based Midcourse Defence (GMD) system, which is a crucial defence against intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs. Alaska is also part of the US Space Force, with the Clear Space Force Station near Anderson conducting operations for missile warning, space domain awareness, tracking satellites and potential threats.The US Coast Guard has several bases in Alaska, the largest at Kodiak, with smaller stations in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Kodiak base ensures maritime security in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, which are critical for fisheries, trade, and for countering illegal activities. The Naval Special Warfare Cold Weather Detachment at Kodiak trains Navy SEALs for cold-weather operations. The Fort Wainwright army base in Fairbanks is focused on the Arctic and rapid-response missions. The Eareckson Air Station in Shemya Island is a remote radar and intelligence-gathering outpost.<h2>Alaska is a theatre of future Arctic competitions for oil, gas and critical minerals &nbsp;</h2>The Arctic is increasingly getting militarised, as climate change has caused the melting of ice in the region. American bases in Alaska will play a crucial role in countering the growing Arctic ambitions of China and Russia. Russia’s Northern Fleet is a threat for the US, as is China’s polar investments in natural resources. In view of the future power tussle, the US Army has specially trained the 11th Airborne Division for Arctic warfare. Alaska is a hub of intelligence and surveillance, providing real-time data on missile launches, satellite activity, and future regional threats. Alaska is also used for cold-weather training of soldiers, given its vast terrain and extreme climate.<h2>Military history and development of Alaska</h2>From around 1741 until 1867, Alaska was under Russian control. Known for its fur trade, securing trade routs was a main concern, for which the St Michael Fort was established. The US acquired Alaska in 1867, after which its army established Fort Wrangell, Fort Kenay and other bases to maintain order and protect settlers. &nbsp;During World War II, Alaska was a critical theatre. The Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska in 1942, making it the only North American territory occupied by the Axis forces. The US launched the Aleutian Campaign and recaptured the islands by 1943. The expansion of bases like Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Field and the building of Alaska Highway took place after this.During the Cold War, Alaska was a frontline due to its proximity to the Soviet Union. The US set up radar stations and air bases to monitor Soviet activity.Alaska hosted missile defence systems and nuclear weapons testing, like the since-cancelled Project Chariot and Amchitka Island tests.After the end of Cold War in the 1990s, Alaska became a key frontline of US power projection in the Pacific, counterterrorism, and missile defence, hosting several joint exercises with allies.

As the US gateway to the Arctic, Alaska is emerging as a hub for new shipping routes, like the Northwest Passage. As the Arctic ice melts, more opportunities are arising for exploring natural wealth in Alaska, which also makes it an area of competition for oil and gas 


US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are scheduled to discuss a way out of the Ukraine war in Alaska on Friday (Aug 15). The choice of Alaska is significant, after intial speculation of Saudi Arabia and Rome as potential ventues. Alaska, once a remote Russian outpost, is currently a crucial aspect of US military strategy and showcases its dominance. It has several US bases, performing a vast range of operations from missile defence to air superiority to space monitoring. Alaska has a strategic location, being near both Asia and Russia. Located near the Arctic, it will also be a crucial theatre in the future competition for natural resources. Here is a breakdown of Alaska's military significance for the US. Why Alaska is strategically important for the US Alaska is close to both Asia and Russia, with its westernmost point just 55 miles from Russia’s Chukotka Peninsula. It is, therefore, a crucial point for the US to monitor Russian military activity. As the US gateway to the Arctic, the state is emerging as a hub for new shipping routes, like the Northwest Passage. As the Arctic ice melts, more opportunities are arising for exploring natural wealth in Alaska, which also makes it an area of competition for oil, gas and critical minerals. Alaska is a crucial component of American power projection in the Indo-Pacific, with bases like JBER and Eielson enabling rapid response to future potential conflicts with China and North Korea. The air defence system in Fort Greely is a key aspect of US defence against ICBMs from adversaries like North Korea or China. Bolstering the space force, Alaska's Clear Space Force Station enhances early warning capabilities. Here are further details: https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-detects-russian-military-aircraft-operating-in-alaskan-air-defense-identification-zone-8736187/embed US military establishments in Alaska Alaska hosts key military installations of the US, like the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, which consists of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. Together, they support the US air superiority, rapid deployment, and Arctic operations. The Eielson Air Force Base is used for Arctic air operations and the Red Flag-Alaska exercises. Fort Greely hosts the Ground-Based Midcourse Defence (GMD) system, which is a crucial defence against intercontinental ballistic missiles or ICBMs. Alaska is also part of the US Space Force, with the Clear Space Force Station near Anderson conducting operations for missile warning, space domain awareness, tracking satellites and potential threats. The US Coast Guard has several bases in Alaska, the largest at Kodiak, with smaller stations in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Kodiak base ensures maritime security in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, which are critical for fisheries, trade, and for countering illegal activities. The Naval Special Warfare Cold Weather Detachment at Kodiak trains Navy SEALs for cold-weather operations. The Fort Wainwright army base in Fairbanks is focused on the Arctic and rapid-response missions. The Eareckson Air Station in Shemya Island is a remote radar and intelligence-gathering outpost. Alaska is a theatre of future Arctic competitions for oil, gas and critical minerals The Arctic is increasingly getting militarised, as climate change has caused the melting of ice in the region. American bases in Alaska will play a crucial role in countering the growing Arctic ambitions of China and Russia. Russia’s Northern Fleet is a threat for the US, as is China’s polar investments in natural resources. In view of the future power tussle, the US Army has specially trained the 11th Airborne Division for Arctic warfare. Alaska is a hub of intelligence and surveillance, providing real-time data on missile launches, satellite activity, and future regional threats. Alaska is also used for cold-weather training of soldiers, given its vast terrain and extreme climate. Military history and development of Alaska From around 1741 until 1867, Alaska was under Russian control. Known for its fur trade, securing trade routs was a main concern, for which the St Michael Fort was established. The US acquired Alaska in 1867, after which its army established Fort Wrangell, Fort Kenay and other bases to maintain order and protect settlers. During World War II, Alaska was a critical theatre. The Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska in 1942, making it the only North American territory occupied by the Axis forces. The US launched the Aleutian Campaign and recaptured the islands by 1943. The expansion of bases like Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Field and the building of Alaska Highway took place after this. During the Cold War, Alaska was a frontline due to its proximity to the Soviet Union. The US set up radar stations and air bases to monitor Soviet activity. Alaska hosted missile defence systems and nuclear weapons testing, like the since-cancelled Project Chariot and Amchitka Island tests. After the end of Cold War in the 1990s, Alaska became a key frontline of US power projection in the Pacific, counterterrorism, and missile defence, hosting several joint exercises with allies.

As the US gateway to the Arctic, Alaska is emerging as a hub for new shipping routes, like the Northwest Passage. As the Arctic ice melts, more opportunities are arising for exploring natural wealth in Alaska, which also makes it an area of competition for oil and gas&nbsp; &nbsp;

Not just another talks venue: How Alaska, the site of Trump-Putin summit, showcases US military muscle, from missile defence to space force | LIST

All eyes are on the Alaska summit of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war. European leaders issued a joint statement this past weekend asking Ukraine's participation in the talks. Ahead of Trump's press conference on Monday (Aug 11) where he's likely to talk about Friday's summit, his deputy JD Vance said the Americans are tired of arming Ukraine against Russia. Here's how things are unfolding amid intense diplomacy.<h2>Europe scrambles ahead of Trump-Putin summit, wants to avoid side deal</h2>European leaders are seeking to speak with Trump before the Putin talks in order to avoid a side deal that omits the presence of Ukraine on the table.They're afraid that the summit could marginalise Ukraine from peace talks. The European concerns arise from fears that Trump may pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions while chasing a peace deal.In a joint statement on Saturday, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, the UK, and the EU declared that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.&nbsp;"We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,” they said in a joint statement that also called for a “just and lasting peace,” &nbsp;with “robust and credible” security guarantees for Ukraine.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe hoped and expected that Zelenskyy will be included in the Alaska talks.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s willingness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia and increase US weapons flow. &nbsp;“Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing Putin — how serious he is — on bringing this terrible war to an end," he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Buy US weapons if you're so concerned: JD Vance's blunt reply to Europeans ahead of Trump-Putin summit</h2>In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to foot the bill if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. “Americans, I think, are sick of continuing to send their money, their tax dollars,” &nbsp;He told Fox News channel in an interview. &nbsp;“If the Europeans want to step up and actually buy the weapons from American producers, we're OK with that — but we're not going to fund it ourselves anymore.”<h2>What do Russia and Ukraine want to end the war?</h2>Trump's idea of “some swapping of territories" is causing concern. The White House said Trump was open to a three-way meeting with Zelensky “at a later time,” while Vance claimed that Putin had agreed to meet Zelenskyy but that scheduling remained an issue.Russia wants Ukraine to cede eastern and southern territories, abandon its NATO aspirations, and accept military limitations in exchange for Russian withdrawal of forces.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not relenting. He said the end of the war "must be fair”, &nbsp;rejecting any territory concessions to Russia.Zelenskyy said the Ukrainians "will not give their land to the occupier.”&nbsp; “We will not give Russia any awards for what it has done.”<h2>Political divisions in Washington ahead of Trump- Putin summit</h2>Washington politicians are divided on the Trump administration’s approach. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen slammed the president for missing his own deadline on further Russia sanctions, saying, “Setting deadlines and blowing through them deeply undermines America’s credibility.”&nbsp;On the other hand, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the president’s strategy, saying Trump "is going to go to meet Putin from a position of strength, that he’s going to look out for Europe and Ukrainian needs to end this war honourably.”Graham also agreed to the territorial concessions, saying, “There will be some land swaps at the end.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to buy weapons from the US if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine.


All eyes are on the Alaska summit of US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war. European leaders issued a joint statement this past weekend asking Ukraine's participation in the talks. Ahead of Trump's press conference on Monday (Aug 11) where he's likely to talk about Friday's summit, his deputy JD Vance said the Americans are tired of arming Ukraine against Russia. Here's how things are unfolding amid intense diplomacy. Europe scrambles ahead of Trump-Putin summit, wants to avoid side deal European leaders are seeking to speak with Trump before the Putin talks in order to avoid a side deal that omits the presence of Ukraine on the table. They're afraid that the summit could marginalise Ukraine from peace talks. The European concerns arise from fears that Trump may pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions while chasing a peace deal. In a joint statement on Saturday, leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, the UK, and the EU declared that the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. "We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,” they said in a joint statement that also called for a “just and lasting peace,” with “robust and credible” security guarantees for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe hoped and expected that Zelenskyy will be included in the Alaska talks. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s willingness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia and increase US weapons flow. “Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing Putin — how serious he is — on bringing this terrible war to an end," he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-putin-meet-european-leaders-urge-more-pressure-on-russia-russia-ukraine-war-1754822637209/embed Buy US weapons if you're so concerned: JD Vance's blunt reply to Europeans ahead of Trump-Putin summit In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to foot the bill if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. “Americans, I think, are sick of continuing to send their money, their tax dollars,” He told Fox News channel in an interview. “If the Europeans want to step up and actually buy the weapons from American producers, we're OK with that — but we're not going to fund it ourselves anymore.” What do Russia and Ukraine want to end the war? Trump's idea of “some swapping of territories" is causing concern. The White House said Trump was open to a three-way meeting with Zelensky “at a later time,” while Vance claimed that Putin had agreed to meet Zelenskyy but that scheduling remained an issue. Russia wants Ukraine to cede eastern and southern territories, abandon its NATO aspirations, and accept military limitations in exchange for Russian withdrawal of forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not relenting. He said the end of the war "must be fair”, rejecting any territory concessions to Russia. Zelenskyy said the Ukrainians "will not give their land to the occupier.” “We will not give Russia any awards for what it has done.” Political divisions in Washington ahead of Trump- Putin summit Washington politicians are divided on the Trump administration’s approach. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen slammed the president for missing his own deadline on further Russia sanctions, saying, “Setting deadlines and blowing through them deeply undermines America’s credibility.” On the other hand, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended the president’s strategy, saying Trump "is going to go to meet Putin from a position of strength, that he’s going to look out for Europe and Ukrainian needs to end this war honourably.” Graham also agreed to the territorial concessions, saying, “There will be some land swaps at the end.”

In blunt remarks, Vice President JD Vance asked the Europeans to buy weapons from the US if they want to fund the Ukrainian war machine. &nbsp;

All Eyes on Alaska: European leaders want to speak to Trump before Putin summit, Vance says US tired of funding Ukraine military

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