1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Recent statements from the Kremlin praising the choice of Alaska for the upcoming summit between Presidents Trump and Putin are disconcerting. The Russian leadership seems to view this location as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States, potentially at Ukraine's expense. However, any negotiations about the future of Ukraine must include direct participation from the Ukrainian government. Sidelining President Zelenskyy and attempting to decide the fate of his country without its input would be a grave violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. The escalating violence in Ukraine underscores the urgency of reaching a peaceful resolution, but not through unilateral impositions or unrealistic demands from Russia. Territorial concessions that undermine Ukraine's integrity as an independent nation are unacceptable. Instead, we must press for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories, and a commitment to upholding Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. This summit presents an opportunity to engage Russia diplomatically and seek a negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine's autonomy and addresses the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved. However, any attempts to pursue a separate peace deal that ignores Ukrainian interests would only prolong the conflict and erode the principles of national self-determination. A just and lasting peace requires Ukraine's direct involvement and the preservation of its territorial integrity.