Just hours before the highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the streets of Anchorage turned into a reflection of global division. Dozens of people, many of them supporters of Ukraine, gathered at major intersections and downtown avenues to demand a stronger stance from Washington in defending international law and Ukrainian sovereignty.
Protesters carried Ukrainian flags and signs with messages such as “Alaska Stands with Ukraine” and “No Peace Without Justice”, underscoring a unanimous rejection of any agreement that sidelines Kyiv. A common concern among attendees was that the absence of President Zelenskiy from the summit could lead to unilateral negotiations between Trump and Putin.
While the atmosphere in the city was tense, many participants expressed hope that the protest would help raise awareness about the need for Ukraine to be a key player in the diplomatic process. Local authorities deployed a moderate security operation aimed at maintaining order and safeguarding the right to free expression.
Will these protests influence the outcome of the summit?
It’s hard to tell. The demonstrations make it clear that excluding Ukraine is unpopular among many. Without Zelenskiy present, there’s a real risk that decisions could be made without the direct input of the most affected party. That said, the symbolic weight of these voices could create international pressure to include Ukraine in future talks.