The Kremlin is attempting to use the upcoming summit in Alaska to weaken the unity between the US and Europe, rather than to genuinely achieve a peace agreement with Ukraine. This conclusion is drawn from a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which analyzes public statements made by representatives of the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Russia Ignores Compromises to Advance Its Own Goals
Analysts observe that Russia shows no willingness to compromise on its key demands. This primarily concerns preventing Ukraine’s accession to NATO, changing the Ukrainian government to a pro-Russian one, and demilitarizing the country, which effectively means Ukraine’s capitulation. ISW emphasizes that Russia is likely to violate any potential ceasefire agreements, using this as a pressure tool while simultaneously blaming Ukraine for the breakdown of negotiations, as occurred in the spring of 2025.
Rhetoric of Russian Officials and Western Responses
ISW notes the statement by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, who accused Europe of obstructing Washington’s peace initiatives. The leader of the LDPR, Leonid Slutsky, stated that European countries are pursuing an anti-Russian policy and hindering a swift resolution to the conflict. Russian political scientist Sergey Markov pointed out that the Kremlin aims to portray Ukraine and Europe as the main opponents of peace, rather than Russia, and does not intend to yield on its positions.
Analysts emphasize that the Kremlin’s attempts to weaken Western support for Ukraine are part of a broader strategy — to divert attention from Russia’s unwillingness to compromise on the initial demands put forward by President Putin.
Against the backdrop of these statements, US President Donald Trump announced a forthcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska aimed at seeking a peace agreement. Among the possible scenarios, Trump mentioned the likelihood of “territorial exchanges.”
At the same time, according to The Wall Street Journal, Putin, in a conversation with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, expressed his willingness to cease fire only on the condition of the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky categorically rejected the possibility of territorial concessions in favor of Russia.
“The answer to the Ukrainian territorial issue is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will and can retreat from this. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” the head of state emphasized.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is open to “real solutions that will lead to peace.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, European and Ukrainian officials have presented their own plan for ending the war, which will be discussed at upcoming negotiations involving the presidents of the US and Russia. This plan calls for an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for further steps, allows for territorial exchanges only on a mutual basis, and demands clear security guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of NATO membership.