Polish PM urges caution as Trump, Putin prepare for Alaska talks

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced cautious optimism ahead of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place in Alaska on August 15.

Speaking at a press conference, Tusk said he felt "a mixture of fear and hope" about the summit’s potential outcomes. He noted that while there are growing signs the US is aligning more closely with European perspectives on the conflict, doubts remain, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"The American side has promised that it will consult with European partners on its position before the meeting in Alaska," Tusk told a news conference.

"I will wait... for the effects of the meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin — I have many fears and a lot of hope," he added, reflecting both the strategic stakes and the fragile geopolitical balance surrounding the negotiations.

Concerns have grown in Kyiv and across Europe that the Trump-Putin meeting could lead to unilateral decisions, potentially excluding Ukraine from talks and imposing terms that favour Moscow. Trump’s recent remarks, which appeared more sympathetic to the Ukrainian and broader European positions, have been cautiously welcomed, but skepticism lingers.

"Trump's recent comments on the war in Ukraine could give the impression the US president was increasingly understanding Ukrainian and European arguments regarding the conflict," Tusk said. "But [I’m] not 100% sure that this position would be lasting."

In a coordinated move, leaders of France, Italy, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement welcoming President Trump’s diplomatic efforts. However, they also emphasised the need to maintain pressure on Russia and ensure that any peace deal includes robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

Tusk reinforced this stance, underlining that any agreement must involve Ukrainian participation and uphold international norms.

"For Poland and our partners, it is clear that state borders cannot be changed by force," he said. "Russia's war with Ukraine must not bring benefits to the aggressor."

By Vafa Guliyeva