From ceasefire to hidden agreements: what awaits Ukraine after Trump-Putin talks
15 August 19:00
PROGNOSIS
In a few hours, the leaders of the two countries will meet in Anchorage, Alaska (USA): US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The latter has already taken off from Magadan on a plane that will land in Alaska at 11:00 local time (22:00 Kyiv time – ed.)
The discussion of this meeting caused a significant resonance among Ukrainian experts. Political analysts agree on one thing: we should not expect quick and constructive decisions from this format, but the consequences can be both positive and extremely dangerous for Ukraine.
US-Russia Talks in Alaska as a Possible Trap for Ukraine and Allies
In an exclusive commentary for 
, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko emphasized that we should not expect any immediate results that would radically change the situation.
There will be no specific agreements that will change the current situation. The worst thing that can happen for us is if Putin proposes a new pseudo-peace scenario, a new negotiation trap that Trump can agree to. This will create a problematic situation in the negotiation process for some time,” the expert said.
At the same time, Fesenko admits that in an unlikely but positive scenario, Putin may agree to a ceasefire under pressure from Trump. However, he emphasizes that this probability is minimal.
A quadrangle instead of a triangle, or How the Alaska talks may surprise
Instead, political scientist Oleh Lisnyi sees an optimistic option in expanding the negotiation format with the participation of Europe.
The best thing that can happen is to agree to agree. And for the next round of negotiations to take place not in a triangle, but in a quadrangle: Trump, Zelenskyy, Putin and a European representative. This is the best option for now,” he told reporters
Lesnyi told reporters. [Kommersant]
At the same time, the political scientist warns that the negotiations could go according to a scenario that is negative for official Kyiv. He foresees agreements “behind closed doors,” which will then be implemented through pressure on Ukraine.
Meeting in Alaska: the best case scenario if Putin is killed
Political analyst Volodymyr Tsybulko in an interview with
The best case scenario is that Putin is killed. The worst scenario is that he is released alive. But seriously, this meeting does not do the US any favors. If Trump comes to any result, it will not be in favor of Ukraine under any circumstances,” the expert commented.
Tsybulko suggests that Putin is trying to drag out the negotiation process as much as possible to buy time and maintain the status quo on the frontline.
Analysts interviewed
As Volodymyr Fesenko noted earlier, “it is important not to fall into the trap and maintain a pro-Ukrainian agenda in any negotiation format.”
Read also: Trump will give Putin a “test” in Alaska without a final deal for Ukraine
Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska: context, symbolism and strategic risks
Donald Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin will begin at 10:00 p.m. and end at 04:45 a.m. Kyiv time.
First, the two leaders will have a one-on-one conversation with interpreters, followed by an extended meeting with delegations and a working lunch, after which a joint press conference is scheduled.
The historic Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Base in Anchorage was the venue for the first face-to-face meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents. The choice of Alaska, a former Russian colony (sold to the United States in 1867), as the venue emphasizes the symbolism and geopolitical significance of the meeting. Any uncoordinated or hidden arrangements could increase fears that Russia is receiving unwarranted legitimization.
The main topic of the upcoming talks is ending the war in Ukraine. Trump positions himself as a peacemaker and is likely to push for an end to the war. However, experts warn of the risk that the result could be only a kind of “freezing” of the conflict with official recognition of the territories occupied by Russia.
According to Reuters, Moscow, under pressure from sanctions and military spending, but with the belief that the war of attrition is playing into its hands, is ready to offer “compromises.” In particular, a phased ceasefire in the sky and a new nuclear deal that will allow it to “save face.”
Analysts warn: Putin has strong diplomatic influence skills and uses a personal format to promote his own positions. The goal is to maintain his winning position without transparent agreements.
In turn, American leader Donald Trump has already stated on camera that in the event of a fruitless meeting, he is ready to impose tough economic sanctions against Russia. Washington will also consider trade mechanisms to influence the Kremlin. For example, targeted tariffs.
Who will represent the US and Russia at the August 15 talks
In addition to White House President Donald Trump himself, Washington will be represented at the talks:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent
- Secretary of Commerce Howard Lighthouse
- Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
- White House Political Director James Blair
- Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bo Harrison
- Communications Director Nick Luna
- Deputy Communications Director Dan Scavino
- White House Press Secretary Stephen Cheung
- National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel
- White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt
- Counselor for Legal Affairs Will Scharf
- Economic Policy Advisor Ross Worthington
- Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
- US Ambassador Monica Crowley
Russia will be represented at the talks by:
- foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
- presidential aide Yuri Ushakov
- defense Minister Andrei Belousov
- minister of Finance Anton Siluanov
- special Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev
What’s happening in the world on the eve of the historic dialogue between the US and Russia
On the streets of Anchorage and in European capitals, protests against possible compromises at the expense of Ukraine have already taken place on the eve of the summit. In Berlin, activists wearing Trump and Putin masks staged a “deal” to recognize the annexation of Crimea. In Anchorage itself, rallies were held under the slogan: “war criminals have no place on American soil”. Police have stepped up security measures in anticipation of pro-Ukrainian and pro-Trump demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Russian propaganda is promoting the image of a “new friendship ” with the United States, making “reset” videos and recalling historical episodes of alliance to prepare the audience for concessions, presenting them as “mutually beneficial solutions.”
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