## Navigating the Shifting Sands of Geopolitics: Zelensky’s Berlin Visit and the Looming Trump-Putin dialog
The international landscape witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity on August 13, 2025, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged with European leaders in Berlin, strategically positioning himself before a pivotal video conference with former US President Donald Trump. This engagement occurred just days before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, a development that has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny within the global community. Zelensky’s presence in Berlin underscored Ukraine’s urgent need for continued international support as the conflict with Russia persists, with the Ukrainian leader publicly stating a lack of observable indications suggesting Moscow intends to de-escalate the situation.
This confluence of events highlights the complex interplay of power dynamics currently shaping the geopolitical narrative, especially concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine.The upcoming Trump-Putin meeting, the first direct engagement between the two leaders since 2021, is viewed by many as a potential turning point, raising questions about the future of US policy towards Russia and Ukraine. as of November 2024, a Pew Research Center study revealed that public opinion in the US remains divided on the appropriate level of involvement in the Ukraine conflict, with 38% believing the US has done to much, 31% believing it has done the right amount, and 28% believing it has done too little. This internal division adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic maneuvering.### The Berlin Summit: A Plea for Sustained Pressure
Zelensky’s visit to Berlin wasn’t merely symbolic; it represented a concerted effort to galvanize European support and convey the gravity of the situation on the ground in Ukraine. The video conference with Trump, facilitated by European leaders, provided a crucial platform for Zelensky to directly address the former US President and advocate for continued pressure on Russia. He articulated, via a statement released on his social media channels, that there were “no signs” of a forthcoming cessation of hostilities from Moscow.This assessment reflects the ongoing reality of the conflict, which, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data from July 2025, has displaced over 6.2 million Ukrainians seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
“There are no signs that Moscow is preparing to end the conflict.”
The Ukrainian president’s message resonated with European leaders who, despite internal disagreements on the specifics of sanctions and aid packages, largely remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Germany, in particular, has significantly increased its military aid to Ukraine in recent months, pledging an additional €2 billion in assistance in June 2025. This commitment, though, is contingent on continued transatlantic cooperation and a unified approach to confronting Russian aggression.
### The Trump-Putin Meeting: anticipating the Alaska Dialogue
The impending meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska is generating meaningful anticipation and apprehension. While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, observers anticipate discussions will center on a range of issues, including the Ukraine conflict, nuclear arms control, cybersecurity, and regional security concerns.
Trump’s previous statements regarding Russia and Putin have been a source of controversy,particularly his expressed admiration for Putin’s leadership style and his questioning of the intelligence community’s assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. This history has fueled concerns that trump may adopt a more conciliatory approach towards Russia, potentially at the expense of Ukraine’s interests.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the evolving geopolitical landscape. Recent analyses from the Council on Foreign Relations (July 2025) suggest that a complete reversal of US policy towards Russia is unlikely, given the bipartisan consensus in Washington regarding the need to deter further Russian aggression. The meeting in Alaska, thus, is highly likely to be a delicate balancing act, with Trump seeking to project an image of strength and resolve while concurrently exploring potential avenues for dialogue with Putin.
### Implications for Ukraine and the Global Order
The outcome of both the Berlin summit and the Alaska meeting will have profound implications for Ukraine
