High-level diplomatic push seeks progress before Trump-Putin meeting
August 9, 2025 — U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy have jointly hosted talks on the Ukraine crisis, aiming to coordinate positions and strengthen Western unity ahead of the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The discussions, held with senior Ukrainian officials and international partners, focused on securing concrete measures to end hostilities, bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and ensure humanitarian access in conflict zones. Both Vance and Lammy stressed the urgency of presenting a united front before the high-stakes meeting between Washington and Moscow.
Diplomatic insiders suggested the talks also addressed potential compromises and guarantees that could be part of a broader settlement framework. While no formal agreements were announced, participants described the exchanges as “productive” and “forward-looking.”
The Alaska summit is expected to tackle contentious issues, including sanctions relief, security arrangements in Eastern Europe, and the long-term status of disputed territories. The preparatory talks led by Vance and Lammy are seen as a crucial step in shaping the agenda and possible outcomes of the meeting.