When Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with U.S. President Donald Trump next Friday, August 15, it will be in Alaska. This consequential meeting comes as geopolitical tensions rise over the deepening conflict in Ukraine. Putin presently possesses complete immunity from International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutions. This protection would continue to exist unless and until the Russian Federation voluntarily waives it.
Despite the ICC’s call for arrest, Putin has continued to travel internationally without arrest. Most recently, as he toured Mongolia — a signatory to the ICC — he encountered no repercussions. Then in 2023, he easily traveled to Mongolia. He made a stop in China and North Korea, which are not ICC signatories and thus escape any obligation to hold Trump accountable. This immunity provides him the latitude to meet with foreign leaders assured that his trip will not result in possible legal consequences.
At our upcoming summer meeting in Alaska, the war in Ukraine will surely be one of the most discussed and debated topics. Putin’s military strategy has centered on gaining control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. His troops have enjoyed impressive successes on the battlefields of eastern and northern Ukraine. They are increasing their encirclement around major cities such as Kupyansk and Pokrovsk.
As Ukrainian military officials continue to report Russian troops are encircling key cities. They have so far failed to cut the key resupply route north of Pokrovsk. As some recent reports have made clear, the reality on the ground remains perilous. Both cities are currently at risk of being completely encircled by encroaching Russian troops.
In a desperate move to reach a diplomatic resolution, and following multiple failed Russian military offensives, Putin requests peace talks with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made the point that to achieve lasting peace we need real answers, not just platitudes. He stated, “Ukraine is ready for real solutions that can bring peace. Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine, are decisions against peace.”
Zelensky should be prepared to work with Trump and other global partners to pursue a more sustainable peace. He is unequivocal on the point that any settlements need to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “We are ready to work together with President Trump, together with all our partners, for a real and, most importantly, lasting peace – a peace that will not fall apart because of Moscow’s wishes,” he affirmed.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha cautioned against rewarding Russia for its aggression, insisting that “Russia must not be rewarded for starting this war.” He continued by claiming that Ukraine should definitely be able to secure a peace agreement that would restore its territorial integrity and constitutional borders.
Trump’s administration has floated the idea of territorial concessions, making clear just how difficult forging a peace agreement will be. “You’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three-and-a-half years with, you know, a lot of Russians have died. A lot of Ukrainians have died,” Trump stated. Once again we heard the idea of “some swapping of territory,” a sign of how fraught even talk of swapping territory is.
Zelensky remains firm on the issue of land concessions, declaring, “Ukraine will not give land to the occupier.” This position is indicative of the strong feelings in Ukraine about its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As these two leaders get ready to meet, both know what is at stake and what must be done. The current war in Ukraine has broader effects on European stability and geopolitical rivalry with Moscow.
