Europe urges Ukraine to spearhead Trump‑Putin talks

Alaska Summit: European Push for Ukraine Inclusion

In the lead-up to President Vladimir Putin’s and President Donald Trump’s meeting in Alaska, European leaders urged that Kyiv must be a central participant in any negotiations that could end the three‑year conflict.

EU Foreign Ministers Convene Ahead of Talks

• Europe’s call for Kyiv’s inclusion. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Britain, Finland and Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement urging Trump to pressure Russia.
• EU’s planned extraordinary meeting. Kaja Kallas will convene a video‑link meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, with Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga scheduled to attend.

Zelensky’s Diplomatic Outreach

Over three days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held phone calls with 13 counterparts, including Germany, Britain and France. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that Zelensky would attend the summit.

Territorial Stalemate and Moscow’s Demands

Ukraine’s military recaptured a village in the Sumy region, a frontline town west of the northern conflict. Moscow insists that Kyiv withdraw forces, adopt a neutral stance, shun Western military support and be excluded from NATO.

• Kyiv’s stance. Kyiv will never recognize Russian control over its sovereign territory, but acknowledges that resuming lost land must come through diplomacy, not battlefield action.
• EU’s support. Kallas reaffirmed that all temporarily occupied territories belong to Ukraine, aligning with international law.

NATO’s Perspective

NATO head Mark Rutte told ABC’s This Week that Russia controls some Ukrainian territory. He suggested that a future deal might recognize de facto control, but not formal de jure recognition.

He emphasized that the upcoming Alaska summit is crucial for testing Putin’s commitment to ending the war:

“Next Friday will be important because it will be about testing Putin, how serious he is about bringing this terrible war to an end.”

Bottom Line: Ukraine Must Be in the Heart of Negotiations

European leaders and the EU remain steadfast that any negotiated settlement must place Ukraine at its core. They warn that excluding Kyiv risks concessions that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security.