**White House Considers Inviting Zelensky to Alaska Peace Talks**
In a surprising move, the White House is reportedly considering inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to peace talks in Alaska on August 15. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet on the same day.
According to NBC News, a White House official and several people familiar with the matter have confirmed that the proposal is “being discussed.” The meeting would reportedly discuss Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire plan that involves halting hostilities in exchange for Kyiv ceding its eastern territories to Russia.
However, Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of ceding any Ukrainian territory to end Russia’s war. In fact, he warned that an unfavorable peace deal in Ukraine will eventually lead to Russia regrouping and reinvading Ukraine.
**Mixed Signals from the White House**
One White House official told NBC News that “everyone is very hopeful that would happen,” referring to Zelensky’s presence at the Alaska summit. However, another senior official offered a different account, stating that the President remains open to a trilateral summit with both leaders.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether Zelensky will participate in a trilateral meeting or separate meetings on the day of the summit if he is invited.
**European Leaders Reject Russia’s Proposal**
Meanwhile, European leaders have rejected Russia’s proposal, instead offering a counterproposal to U.S. officials ahead of a planned meeting. EU leaders also publicly voiced concerns over a lack of European and Ukrainian involvement in peace talks, stating that such talks would not hold much weight without the participation of European leaders.
**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**
The decision to invite Zelensky to Alaska peace talks sends a mixed message about the U.S.’s stance on Russia’s proposal. While it may appear that the White House is attempting to mediate a peaceful resolution, many experts argue that Putin’s plan would ultimately benefit Moscow at the expense of Kyiv.
Zelensky has consistently rejected any proposals that involve ceding Ukrainian territory, and his presence at the Alaska summit could potentially add weight to Ukraine’s position. However, it remains to be seen whether this meeting will bring about a genuine breakthrough in the conflict or merely serve as a PR stunt.
**Stay Tuned for Updates**
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, one thing is certain: the world is watching with bated breath as these pivotal meetings unfold. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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