W
e, representatives of global civil society, political refugees, democratic activists and advocates for peace and human rights, address this message to Europe's and the world's leaders with urgent concern.
With deep apprehension, we observe the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska. We fear that this meeting could result in a tactical short-term agreement that may cause irreparable damage to Ukraine, Europe and international security. Alaska 2025 must not become Munich 1938 [a reference to the agreements between Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and France, which led to the annexation of Czechoslovakia], nor Yalta 1945 [the conference where the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union decided the fate of Germany].
Our concerns include the possibility of concluding a deal that would legitimize Russia's illegal occupation of Ukrainian territories and recomposition of 1991 borders by force. We are also worried about the potential easing or lifting of sanctions against Putin's regime, allowing its return to international forums such as the G7, and participation in sports and cultural events, which would only serve to legitimize Putin's dictatorship. Additionally, we fear unprecedented pressure on Ukraine to force it into acceptance of an imposed and unfair agreement, and Putin's international campaign to support this disgraceful deal.
