Donald Trump unveiled his strategy for resolving the Ukraine war, focusing on his scheduled meeting with Vladimir Putin. During his recent statements, the American president revealed details about his diplomatic initiatives and how he plans to approach the Russian leadership.
Trump’s preparations for crucial meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin
Donald Trump characterized his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin as “preliminary,” emphasizing that he will immediately understand the prospects for successful negotiations. According to his statements, the evaluation process will be swift and effective.
“We will hold a meeting with Vladimir Putin and, probably within the first two minutes, I will fully understand whether there is a possibility for an agreement,” the American president declared confidently. When asked about the methodology of this rapid assessment, he responded characteristically: “Because that is my specialty. I negotiate deals”.
Trump: I am going in to speak to Vladimir Putin and I will be telling him you have to end this
war. You have to end it. And he wasn’t going to mess with me. pic.twitter.com/jchhmqrAQd— Acyn (@Acyn) August 11, 2025
Trump’s mistake about the meeting location
It should be noted that Donald Trump, during the press conference on security in Washington, made an error twice by saying he would meet the Russian president in Russia instead of Alaska.
“You know, I’m going to see Putin. I’m going to Russia on Friday,” he stated, later correcting himself with the phrase: “We’re going to Russia. This will be something very significant“.
“I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country, as opposed to us going to his country, or even to a third, third place,” he added.
Donald Trump’s strategic approach
Donald Trump’s approach to Vladimir Putin will be direct and categorical. As he described, he will address the Russian leader with clarity: “I will communicate with Vladimir Putin and tell him explicitly: ‘You must stop this war. You have to end it'”.
The American president revealed that his Russian counterpart invited him to participate in resolving the Ukrainian crisis, expressing the belief that he “wants to complete it“. This information suggests possible readiness from the Russian side for diplomatic solutions.
Trilateral dialogue and Zelensky’s role
Regarding the Ukrainian president’s participation, Donald Trump expressed mixed feelings. While he recognizes the importance of Zelensky’s presence, he points out the limitations of previous diplomatic efforts.
“He may participate, however he has attended numerous meetings over the past three and a half years, without substantial achievements,” Trump commented. Despite the reservations, he anticipates a final trilateral meeting: “Eventually, I will bring both of them to a common space. I will be present or not, and I believe a solution will be achieved“.
Trump: I am displeased with Zelensky for rejecting territorial concessions
US President Donald Trump did not hide his dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in his new statements.
The US president said he is “bothered” by Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky’s refusal to cede territory to Russia as part of an agreement that would end the conflict.
“I was bothered by the fact that Zelensky was saying: Well, I have to get constitutional approval. I mean, he has approval to go to war and kill everyone, but he needs approval to do a land swap?,” Donald Trump stated characteristically.
Realistic expectations and alternative scenarios
Despite his optimism, Donald Trump maintains a realistic approach to his expectations. “I expect a meeting with Putin that I believe will be constructive, although it may prove unsuccessful,” he admitted.
The American president does not rule out the possibility of withdrawing from diplomatic efforts if no progress is made.
Possible scenarios include:
- Successful negotiations and reaching an agreement
- Failed dialogue and cessation of efforts
- Extension of discussions for further exploration
“I can go there and examine the terms of a possible solution. I may conclude that there is no prospect of resolution and withdraw,” Trump concluded, emphasizing his pragmatic approach to the issue.
European leaders “besiege” Trump
Europe is in turmoil just days before Donald Trump’s historic meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska. While the two powerful men appear to have almost “agreed,” Europe is rushing but falling short.
Specifically, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is convening an emergency summit with European leaders, Trump, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to coordinate final moves and exert pressure ahead of crucial negotiations for the Ukraine war.
At the center of discussions are pressure against Russia, security guarantees for Kyiv, and the demand for an immediate ceasefire before any peace talks or territorial exchanges.
All this is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, by phone, while Trump and Putin will meet in person in Alaska on Friday, August 15.
Specifically, as Politico reports, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is convening an emergency virtual summit on Wednesday with the participation of European leaders, US President Donald Trump, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The teleconference takes place days before Friday’s summit in Alaska, where Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine war.
According to a German government spokesperson, discussions will focus on options for pressuring Russia, issues regarding Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, security guarantees for Kyiv, and the sequence of possible peace talks.
Merz and other European leaders are asking Putin to first agree to a ceasefire before starting any peace negotiations or territorial exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv.
The same source said the teleconference will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, with one hour of discussion involving leaders from Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, as well as the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, Zelensky, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
At 3 p.m., there will be one hour of talks between European leaders and Zelensky, with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance participating.
