European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, convened a virtual meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 13, 2025, to establish a unified stance on ceasefire terms for Ukraine ahead of the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also participated in the discussions.
Chancellor Merz emphasized Ukraine's central role in peace negotiations, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and rejecting any formal acknowledgment of Russian occupation while stressing the need for "robust security guarantees" for Ukraine. He conveyed to President Trump that increased pressure on Moscow is necessary if Russia does not engage constructively at the upcoming summit in Anchorage, Alaska, scheduled for August 15, 2025. Merz cited previous unproductive dialogues with Putin, which often led to intensified Russian military actions, highlighting the need for a different approach.
French President Macron echoed Merz's sentiments, stating that territorial issues concerning Ukraine should only be negotiated with Kyiv's direct involvement. President Trump reportedly assured the European leaders that a ceasefire would be a priority and that no territorial concessions would be made without Ukraine's full consent. President Zelenskyy expressed his belief that Putin might be employing a strategy of pressure and that his pronouncements on peace and sanctions could be a bluff, emphasizing the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia's war economy.
The summit is scheduled to take place at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, a location chosen for its historical ties to Russia and equidistant positioning between Washington and Moscow. Alaska's history with Russia dates back to the 18th century, with remnants of Russian settlement still visible, including Anchorage's oldest building, a Russian Orthodox church. The state's strategic importance was further highlighted during World War II and the Cold War.
Analysts suggest that while the summit is symbolic, it carries significant geopolitical weight. Concerns have been raised about the potential for forced territorial swaps and the legitimization of aggression if Ukraine is excluded from direct talks. The international community is closely watching the dialogue for signs of de-escalation and a path toward a stable resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.