A high-profile peace summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take place in Alaska — but notably, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be at the table.

The meeting, announced earlier this week, is being described as a direct effort to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, the absence of Ukraine from the talks has raised questions about the credibility and inclusivity of any potential agreements.

Zelensky has expressed concerns, warning that Russia may be preparing new military offensives. He emphasized that meaningful peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine’s involvement, especially when the stakes involve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Choosing Alaska as the venue is symbolic — geographically located between the U.S. and Russia, it represents a neutral meeting ground. Yet, critics argue that the location does little to address the core issue: Ukraine’s exclusion.

International reactions have been mixed. Some see the talks as a rare chance for dialogue between two powerful leaders who have maintained an unpredictable relationship over the years. Others fear that bypassing Ukraine could lead to a deal that prioritizes political optics over real conflict resolution.

For now, details on the summit’s agenda remain limited. Both Trump and Putin have framed the meeting as an “opportunity for peace,” but whether that peace will be lasting — or acceptable to Ukraine — remains to be seen.