European Leaders Urge Inclusion of Ukraine in Trump-Putin Talks as War Rages On
As President Donald Trump prepares for his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska later this week, European leaders have underscored the importance of including Ukraine in any discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Notable figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have expressed support for Trump’s efforts to cease the violence in Ukraine. However, they emphasized that a resolution cannot be reached without the active participation of Ukraine itself.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, these leaders asserted that a diplomatic approach involving engagement with Ukraine and pressure on Russia is the only viable strategy to bring an end to the ongoing war. They also highlighted the need for robust and credible security guarantees that would allow Ukraine to defend its territory effectively.
This stance follows a recent meeting between Vice President JD Vance, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian, and European officials in London over the weekend.
The impending talks between Trump and Putin, scheduled for Friday, are expected to address an end to the war. In a pre-recorded interview, Vance described this encounter as a “significant milestone” for American diplomacy.
According to Vance, the goal is to negotiate a settlement that would allow both Ukraine and Russia to coexist peacefully, albeit with potential dissatisfaction from both parties involved. He added that the upcoming summit in Alaska was the culmination of several months of intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at overcoming the impasse in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed support for Trump’s peace initiatives, but it remains uncertain whether he will attend the meeting. Zelenskyy has been adamant that Ukraine will not cede any territory and believes it is Putin who must take steps to bring an end to the conflict.
In a statement on Saturday, Zelenskyy reiterated his stance, stating, “The Ukrainian people deserve peace. However, all partners must understand what a dignified peace entails. This war must be brought to an end — and Russia must bear the responsibility for ending it.” He further emphasized that Ukraine would not relinquish any land to its occupier.