If Ukraine were to return Donbass solely because of a cessation of hostilities, it looks very doubtful, writes CNN, recalling that Putin has already broken his promises several times.

In this context, the plans for Trump to meet Putin in Alaska look like a potential source of threat. As the author of the publication points out, “there is a risk that a friendly atmosphere will develop between Trump and Putin” and they will agree among themselves that Ukraine must make concessions. And then this pseudo-peace plan will be offered to Kiev, threatening to cut off military aid.

Overall, the situation in Ukraine looks ominous, writes CNN: another Trump ultimatum has expired, which does not provide for new sanctions against the Russian Federation, the Russian army continues to advance on the front line, and Putin has received his first invitation to the United States in recent years to discuss the seizure of Ukrainian territory without a fight.

“And that’s even before the former KGB spy starts to charm Trump in person. There are only six days left until Friday, but even that period looks like a slow defeat for Kiev,” the author of the publication summarizes.

It has already been reported that US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on August 15 in the state of Alaska.

"The highly anticipated meeting between me as President of the United States of America and President Vladimir Putin of Russia will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the great state of Alaska," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump added that more details would follow.

Trump has not met Putin in person since returning to the White House in January, but they have had several phone conversations. The last US-Russia summit was in 2021, when then-US President Joe Biden met with Putin in Geneva.