• Trump and Putin's meeting in Alaska on August 15 raises concerns over potential territorial concessions for Ukraine.
• Zelensky asserts any agreements without Ukraine's involvement will be deemed "stillborn."
• European leaders emphasize Kyiv must participate in any negotiations to ensure security interests are protected.
• NATO's Secretary General stresses the need for Ukraine's future to be determined by Ukrainians alone.
• Potential inclusion of Zelensky in the talks is under consideration by the White House amid significant diplomatic support from Europe.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska to discuss solutions for the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting has sparked concerns that territorial concessions could dominate the discussions, particularly the prospect of "swapping territories for the betterment of both countries," as Trump mentioned. This has alarmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who asserts that any agreements made without Ukraine's involvement would be "stillborn" and unacceptable, according to Indiatimes and The Hill.

European leaders are rallying behind Ukraine, asserting that peace talks cannot proceed without Kyiv's participation. Leaders from countries including France, Germany, and the UK issued a joint statement insisting that "the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," emphasizing the necessity of robust security guarantees to protect its territorial integrity. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked on the importance of including Ukraine and the EU in any negotiations to maintain regional stability, as reported by SCMP and BBC.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the summit would test Putin's seriousness about ending the conflict. He expressed that while the upcoming talks are crucial, the decisions regarding Ukraine's future should ultimately rest with its leaders. Concurrently, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential invitation for Zelensky to join Trump and Putin, with both the White House and NATO officials considering this as a possibility, according to The Hill and CBS News.

Zelensky has been actively communicating with Western allies, emphasizing Ukraine's stance on territorial integrity as a priority in any negotiation, reflecting a unified European front against permitting any concessions to Russia. He reiterated on social media that Ukraine's sovereignty and independence would not be compromised, as noted by LA Times and The Hill.