August 17, 2025 — The recent Trump–Putin summit in Alaska has triggered a wave of responses across the globe. While some nations cautiously welcomed renewed dialogue, many others voiced deep skepticism, warning that any deal reached without Ukraine’s full participation risks undermining European security.

Europe Draws Red Lines

European leaders stressed that diplomacy cannot come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Calls were made for binding security guarantees, echoing NATO’s Article 5, to ensure Kyiv’s independence remains non-negotiable.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted that sanctions against Moscow must stay in place until Russian forces withdraw. President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for dialogue but urged allies not to be lulled by what he described as Russia’s long record of broken commitments.

Optimism Meets Unease

For some policymakers, the summit represented a rare opening to lower tensions. Yet the lack of a ceasefire agreement raised alarm that Washington’s approach might shift closer to Moscow’s terms. Leaders such as Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that no peace plan is legitimate without Ukraine at the table.

Moscow Claims Success

In Russia, the summit was hailed as a diplomatic win. State media portrayed Putin as having reasserted his global influence, highlighting the absence of new sanctions and the symbolic embrace from the U.S. president.

Critics, however, warned that Trump’s warmer stance could embolden Russia, giving it space to escalate rather than de-escalate the conflict.

Mixed Global Response

• India cautiously welcomed the talks, framing them as a step toward stability.

• Leaders from Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Nordic states issued stern warnings, arguing that concessions to Russia could set a dangerous precedent.

• Hungary broke ranks with its EU peers, describing the summit as a potential turning point toward constructive relations.

Ukraine Awaits Its Turn

The biggest question remains: where does Ukraine fit in? With President Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing to meet Trump in Washington, Kyiv and its allies insist that Ukraine’s voice must be central to any diplomatic framework. Anything less, they warn, would risk legitimizing aggression and leaving Eastern Europe vulnerable.

The Stakes Ahead

The Alaska summit underscored the fragile balance of power now in play.

1. Global order is shifting, with Washington’s alignment potentially redefining post-war diplomacy.

2. Eastern Europe is on edge, fearing borders could be redrawn by negotiation rather than law.

3. Allied unity is under strain, as cracks emerge between those eager for quick peace and those demanding firm resistance.

As the world looks to Washington, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the summit was the start of meaningful progress — or a dangerous misstep in the pursuit of peace.