**Ukraine Fears Trump-Putin Summit May Dictate Terms**
As the 3-1/2-year war between Ukraine and Russia continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed concerns that a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may seek to dictate terms to Ukraine for ending the conflict. The summit is scheduled to take place on August 15 in Alaska.
**European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine**
In response to these fears, European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine, demanding “robust and credible security guarantees” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement saying that any diplomatic solution must prioritize Ukraine’s security interests.
**Zelenskiy Speaks Out**
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has been vocal in his concerns, stating that “the end of the war must be fair” and that any decisions taken without Ukraine will be “stillborn” and unworkable. He thanked European leaders for their support, saying it was crucial to have a seat at the table as negotiations take place.
**Russia Accuses Europe**
Russian officials, however, have accused Europe of trying to thwart Trump’s efforts to end the war. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to social media to call European leaders “Euro-imbeciles” for their alleged attempts to undermine Trump’s diplomatic endeavors.
**Concerns Over Territorial Swap**
One of the key concerns surrounding the summit is a potential territorial swap between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has hinted at such an arrangement, suggesting that some territories might be swapped in exchange for peace. However, Ukrainian officials have expressed fears that this could lead to significant losses of territory, potentially even more than what Russia currently controls.
**Analysis**
The situation on the ground remains dire, with Russian forces continuing to make slow but steady gains across Ukraine. The impending summit has added an extra layer of tension, as both sides jockey for position and seek to influence the outcome.
“It’s a high-stakes game,” said Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin analyst. “A territorial swap could give Russia what it needs to secure its interests, but at what cost to Ukraine?”
For now, Ukraine remains locked in this desperate struggle against an entrenched enemy, with its fate hanging precariously in the balance.
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