14/08 • ALASKA TALKS

The talks have been described as a “listening exercise” by The White House, signalling low expectations for immediate breakthroughs. The summit sits in the growing shadow of a humanitarian toll which continues to rise, and where hopes for a just peace and an end to the war in Ukraine remain fragile.

Ukraine’s absence from the talks has drawn strong criticism. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and many world leaders maintain that no settlement can be fair if it is made without the nation whose people are enduring the conflict. 

These leaders warn that accepting territorial changes won through violence would legitimise aggression in Ukraine and set an unsettling precedent for other conflicts around the world. This warning is particularly relevant as reports suggest the discussions could include the idea of territorial “land-swapping” - a proposal Ukraine has firmly rejected.

While such arrangements might be presented as steps toward ending the war, they raise urgent humanitarian concerns. Civilians living in ceded lands could face uncertain rights, restricted freedoms, and reduced access to essential services and humanitarian aid. For those already living under occupation, the risk of continued hardship or persecution would remain high. The fragility of previous ceasefires also shows the ease in which agreements can unravel and aggressions restart. 

Meanwhile, millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, essential infrastructure is damaged, and winter is approaching. Shortages of power, water, and healthcare will make survival even harder. Humanitarian organisations continue to work under immense strain to meet urgent needs, but resources remain stretched.