Donald Trump has warned of ‘very severe consequences’ if Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their meeting in Alaska on 15 August. While not detailing the measures, Trump has previously suggested economic sanctions and hinted at a follow-up meeting that could include Volodymyr Zelensky. Concerns persist among European leaders and Kyiv that any peace proposal might involve Ukraine surrendering territory - particularly the Donbas region - in exchange for halting further Russian advances. In a high-level virtual call hosted by Germany, Zelensky, Trump, and key European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and continued pressure on Moscow. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s threats as bluffs, insisting that sanctions and united international resolve remain crucial. The Alaska summit is seen as both a diplomatic opportunity and a high-stakes gamble, with Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the broader stability of Europe hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, on 12 August Russian troops tried to make a big advance, possibly to put extra pressure on Kyiv to cede territory: see