As Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump prepare to meet in Alaska for a high-stakes summit to discuss ending the 43-month-old war in Ukraine, a deep feeling of unease is gripping European capitals, especially Kyiv.
The August 15 meeting between the two leaders, their first since Trump returned to the presidency in January, could reshape not only Ukraine's future borders but also European security without either Kyiv or Brussels having a say.
Trump has made ending the conflict -- Europe's largest since World War II -- a top foreign policy priority. Confident in his deal-making skills and friendly relationship with Putin, Trump believes that goal can be achieved starting with the one-to-one meeting announced only a week ago.
Since then Western officials and experts have expressed concern that Trump, who eschews traditional diplomatic procedures in favor of deal making, will be outwitted by Putin, who has more than a quarter-century of experience negotiating with Western leaders.
When he told reporters that he and Putin will discuss the possibility of land swaps between Russia and Ukraine, the anxiety level rose over fears that he could recognize the Kremlin's land grab, appeasing the aggressor.
What Could Come Out Of The Talks?
The surprise announcement of the summit sent Ukrainian and European leaders scrambling to get face time with Trump. While European leaders expressed a sigh of relief following a conference call with Trump on August 13, what the 79-year-old US leader will agree to in Alaska is anyone's guess, experts said.
