As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin prepare to meet in Alaska on August 15th in a historic summit, tensions are building inexorably. On the frontlines in Ukraine, Russian forces have been advancing in Donetsk amid bloody fighting, in an apparent push by the Kremlin to secure terrain and squeeze Ukraine ahead of the talks. After months of escalation, threats and U-turns, Mr Trump’s position on Ukraine is unclear, with the president muddying the waters further with contradictory statements on August 11th. He has put heat on the Kremlin by imposing an extra 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, yet has also horrified Ukraine by suggesting it will have to cede more territory in any deal. Two competing White House envoys have been scrambling America’s diplomatic position, creating chaos.
European countries are outraged that Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, will not be present in Alaska as a potential deal is cut on Ukraine. And they fear that Mr Trump will repeat his history of striking ill-considered agreements with whoever gets into a room with him. In an effort to limit the damage, on August 13th they are due to hold a warm-up virtual summit. Organised at the last minute by Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor, it is due to feature European leaders and Mr Zelensky with Mr Trump and J.D. Vance, the vice-president, making an appearance. The idea is that Europe and Ukraine will set out the limits beyond which they will not go, binding-in Mr Trump. Good luck.