Ahead of Alaska Summit: Trump Consolidates ‘Red Lines’ on Ukraine and Plays a Diplomatic Game with Putin
Just days before the scheduled summit in Alaska, where US and Russian leaders are expected to meet, former President Donald Trump has already engaged in significant consultations with European allies regarding the conditions for a possible agreement on Ukraine.
These discussions resulted in the delineation of so-called ‘red lines’ — essential principles that must not be violated during any future negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
According to sources from The Wall Street Journal, Trump and his European partners agreed that territorial issues involving Ukraine should be resolved solely between Ukraine and Russia, and not be subject to negotiation with Moscow directly.
Additionally, there is a shared intention to quickly organize a trilateral meeting, expected to occur in the coming days, where Ukraine and Russia could exchange views on ceasefire and future steps.
Trump openly warned Putin of ‘very serious consequences’ should he refuse to cease hostilities during upcoming talks.
The video conference initiated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proved highly constructive, with European leaders expressing consensus over the importance of clearly defining ‘red lines’ for Russia and laying foundations for future agreements.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine cannot include NATO membership but that the US and Europe are prepared to jointly provide other assurances.
Participants indicate that Trump seeks to rapidly convene a tripartite summit with Putin and Zelensky to kick-start peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, Russia maintains its stance demanding Ukraine withdraw troops from territories it claims — Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions — which casts doubt on the feasibility of quick compromises.
Former Trump envoy Steve Vitoff mistakenly interpreted Moscow’s position, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts.
The international community and Ukrainian delegation welcomed the outcomes of the conference, though intelligence agencies warn that Trump’s current expertise in Russian affairs leaves room for concern.
The goal remains to create conditions for de-escalation and establish a long-term peace framework.
Simultaneously, the US and European countries intensify coordination efforts to achieve this objective and prevent new hostilities.