Roman Son, international law expert, Head of the International Center for Ukrainian Studies Direct Initiative
If we look beyond the smoke screen of information after Alaska — created to manipulate public opinion — we can discern the contours of reality.
The essence of the meeting was captured in Putin’s own phrase about the need to “turn the page.” In his vision, that should happen at Ukraine’s expense.
Once again, Trump agreed to play the role of Putin’s courier, just as he did after their past phone calls.
Russia is not abandoning its goals. Stripping away media spin, the only imitation offer on the table is this: to exchange small occupied patches of territory in Sumy and Kharkiv regions for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from territories Putin enshrined in Russia’s Constitution.
This is not a concession, but a way of achieving Russia’s goals through political rather than military means. That is why Trump avoided disclosing the details of his agreements with Putin — it would have undermined his attempt to paint the picture of the “deal of the century.”
It is no surprise that through media leaks Putin and Trump try to sell the world empty air in the form of Russia’s alleged refusal to further seize Ukraine or attack Europe. This is merely a way to rationalize the illusion of peace — with the price being Ukraine’s recognition of defeat in the war.
Putin failed to subjugate Ukraine militarily, but with Trump’s help he has moved closer to coercing Ukraine into accepting defeat politically.
Moscow’s global ambitions have not changed. The Alaska summit only reinforced them. Putin wants the humiliation of Ukraine and Europe. He knows that if Ukraine accepts defeat, it will lose many opportunities — including the chance to bring Russian war criminals to justice or demand reparations for the devastation.
As long as Ukraine fights — including for justice — it retains its subjectivity. Ukraine exists today as an independent state because in 2004, 2013, and 2022 Ukrainians chose dignity. They made this choice despite all circumstances. Defeat cannot be imposed on a nation that strives for victory.
Today, Ukraine needs the strength, courage, and unity of its society to say “no” to a forced defeat disguised as peace.
It is important not to fall for the temptation of grand promises on paper, which will be discarded at the first opportunity. The leading powers of the world failed to uphold their obligations under the Budapest Memorandum, which guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and protection from aggression. Barely two decades later, those commitments were simply ignored by the signatories.
Now, more than ever, Ukraine must not deviate an inch from its national interests, regardless of the advice or promises of its closest partners. For our mistakes, only we will pay the price.
The number one priority is security. Ukraine does not need vague political assurances for the future, but a real mechanism of security here and now. A key element of that mechanism must be the presence of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory. To project strength rather than weakness, the “coalition of the willing” must be in Ukraine today, not “tomorrow,” after concessions to the Kremlin.
To ensure that tomorrow our fate is not decided without us, we must act today. Ukrainians and their allies should take to the streets and gather at American embassies worldwide to demonstrate Ukraine’s resilience and will to victory.
About the Author
Roman Son
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Expert in international law
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Head of the International Center for Ukrainian Studies Direct Initiative
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Researcher of the legal aspects of Russia’s war against Ukraine and Russia’s genocide of Ukrainians
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Co-author of the book Unrecognized War (forthcoming with German publisher ibidem)
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Coordinator of international information campaigns in support of Ukraine (recognition of Russia as an aggressor state, creation of the international “coalition of the willing,” recognition of the ongoing genocide, establishment of an international humanitarian military mission, and security guarantees for Ukraine)
