As Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin reshaped the chessboard in Alaska, Volodymyr Zelensky braces for a White House face-off that could define Ukraine’s fate. Reports say Trump now favors a rapid peace deal — but only if Kyiv cedes parts of Donbas. Alarmed, Europe scrambles to send leaders including Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, Ursula von der Leyen, and trusted Trump allies like Finland’s Stubb and NATO chief Rutte to Washington on August 18. Will Zelensky stand firm, or fold under pressure as Trump calls the shots?