European nations have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, demanding that any peace discussions with Russia must include Kyiv. The leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission released a joint statement before US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska scheduled for Friday.
A White House official indicated Trump’s openness to a trilateral meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Nevertheless, the meeting remains primarily between Trump and Putin, as originally desired by the Russian leader. Zelensky has stated that excluding Kyiv in any agreements would render them ineffective.
Trump has expressed willingness to first engage with Putin alone, mentioning a “shot at” arranging a trilateral meeting involving both Zelensky and Putin. However, Putin’s acceptance is uncertain, as he has avoided direct talks and not met Zelensky face-to-face since Russia’s full-scale invasion over three years ago.
During discussions on Friday, Trump suggested potential territorial exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv, a notion strongly opposed by Zelensky. Zelensky emphasized on Telegram that Ukraine refuses to reward Russia, stating, “Any decisions without Ukraine are decisions against peace.” He criticized Russia’s idea of exchanging territories as advantageous only for resuming conflict.
It’s reported by CBS, the BBC’s US media partner, that the US is attempting to convince European allies to accept an agreement allowing Russia control over the Donbas region and retention of Crimea. The European leaders, in their statement issued late Saturday, underscored that “international borders must not be changed by force” and pledged continued support for Ukraine in various forms.
The leaders highlighted the importance of a “diplomatic solution” for the security of both Ukraine and Europe. Concerns persist among European allies about being excluded from significant agreements Trump might reach with Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed on X the necessity of European involvement due to their security interests.
On Sunday, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support from allies, asserting the need for a fair resolution to the war. Europe maintains a firm stance against Moscow, imposing sanctions and providing military support to Ukraine. Zelensky assured Macron that a genuine end to the war and firm security measures for Ukraine and Europe are essential.
US Vice-President JD Vance met with UK officials and Zelensky’s top aides, emphasizing Ukraine’s importance at the negotiating table. He insisted that a durable peace requires Ukraine’s involvement and that a ceasefire should not establish new borders.
The upcoming Alaska summit, on territory sold by Russia to the US in 1867, would mark the first meeting between current US and Russian presidents since Biden’s 2021 Geneva meeting with Putin. Nearly a year later, Russia initiated its military action against Ukraine. In 2022, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions, despite incomplete control, and continues to occupy significant eastern areas, facing resilient Ukrainian resistance.