Kremlin gains diplomatic boost ahead of Ukraine negotiations

Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, set for Friday in Alaska, are already being hailed by some analysts as a strategic victory for Moscow — even before any agreements are reached.

This will be Putin’s first invitation to meet a U.S. leader on American soil since 2007, and notably, the discussions come without preconditions, without Ukraine at the table, and without European representation.

“This is already a triumph,” said Richard Portes, head of Economics at the London Business School, noting the absence of Ukrainian and EU leaders.

Kyiv Left Out — For Now

• Ukraine’s leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not been invited.
• Kyiv insists no decisions about its future will be made in its absence.
• European leaders are urging the U.S. to ensure Ukraine’s participation.

NBC News reports the White House is still considering extending an invitation to Zelenskyy.

Economic and Market Implications

The talks come as:

• Russia advances in southern and eastern Ukraine.
• No ceasefire deal is in sight.
• Russia battles 9.4% inflation (June) and a fiscal deficit from weaker oil and gas revenues.

Despite economic strains, the Kremlin enters negotiations with battlefield momentum — and markets are watching closely for signs of de-escalation that could lift global risk sentiment.