In an in-depth interview with The Paper, a major Chinese digital outlet (澎湃新闻), Maksym Chebotarov, Coordinator of the U.S.–Ukraine Partnership Program at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center (TDC), shared analysis on the implications of the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska for Ukraine and international diplomacy.
Chebotarov stressed that while the high-profile nature of the meeting may suggest diplomatic progress, the Russia–Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved solely through a bilateral U.S.–Russia framework: “It is very unlikely that the Russia–Ukraine conflict will be resolved purely within the framework of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. Without consensus on all sides, it will be counterproductive in many ways.”
He highlighted Ukraine’s concern about being sidelined, especially when territorial compromises are suggested without its participation: “Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders are constitutionally stipulated and non-negotiable. Under current conditions, any proposal for territorial exchange is politically and legally impossible.”
Chebotarov also pointed to the symbolic weight of Alaska as the summit location, citing both historical significance and Trump’s preference for a tightly controlled stage: “Alaska provides a safe and controlled environment, but also carries historical symbolism as a rare example of peaceful territorial transfer, used here to project Trump’s image as a ‘deal-maker.’”
He cautioned that excluding Ukraine and Europe from the core diplomatic process risks legitimizing forceful border changes and undermining the rules-based international order.
Finally, Chebotarov noted that the summit underscores a growing strategic divergence between the U.S. and Europe: while Trump seeks transactional peace-for-trade solutions, European allies remain the main security and financial backers of Ukraine and insist on a multilateral approach that upholds international law.
The Transatlantic Dialogue Center continues to monitor international diplomatic developments and advocate for an inclusive, principled peace process – one that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and reflects shared transatlantic values.