The Alaska summit is intended to seek a breakthrough in peace talks with Moscow and address territorial disputes. Earlier this week, the Kremlin proposed a ceasefire deal granting it control of Eastern Ukraine in exchange for halting hostilities.
President Trump is close to securing the most significant diplomatic accomplishment in my lifetime, and he’s doing it by focusing on peace and bringing an end to the conflict.
America is lucky to have this kind of bold leadership at such a pivotal moment in world history. pic.twitter.com/bzwCOZjnz0
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 10, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the offer, stating on X: “Ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace. Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace.” He has not been invited to the meeting, though the White House and NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker have indicated a trilateral summit remains possible.
European leaders responded critically to the proposal, affirming diplomatic, economic and military support for Trump’s efforts while insisting that any resolution “must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.” Trump has pledged to end the conflict within 24 hours, but negotiations have proven more complex than expected and the three-year war has been costly for both the United States and Europe.
“Americans, I think, are sick of continuing to send their money, their tax dollars of this particular conflict,” Vance said, adding, “but if the Europeans want to step up and actually buy the weapons from American producers we’re okay with that but we’re not gonna fund it ourselves anymore.” He has repeatedly urged European nations to assume greater responsibility in the conflict.
In June, Trump secured a deal requiring NATO allies to spend five per cent of their GDP on defence, followed in July by an agreement for the United States to send weapons to Ukraine purchased by other NATO members. These measures have increased Europe’s financial role in the war effort.
During a visit to England on Saturday, Vance emphasised that Europe must bear more of the burden. “What we said to Europeans is simply, first of all, this is in your neck of the woods, this is in your backdoor, you guys have got to step up and take a bigger role in this thing, and if you care so much about this conflict you should be willing to play a more direct and a more substantial way in funding this war yourself,” he told Fox News.
