Europeans aim to keep the board after Ukraine summit

Alaska Summit: Putin & Trump Skip Ukraine Deal, Europe Urged to Stay Out

Key Takeaways

• No Ukraine Deal – European leaders favor the absence of a pact between Putin & Trump, seeing it as a strategic win.
• European Exclusion – The summit left Europe sidelined, prompting calls for a video conference among Britain, France & Germany.
• Three‑Way Summit Proposals – A three‑way meeting between Zelensky, Putin & Trump was floated, though Russia’s sanctions make it unlikely.
• Putin’s Warning – The Russian leader urged Ukraine and European states to avoid obstacles and provocations, hinting at a preference for an American‑led dialogue.
• European Leaders’ Dilemma – Experts note that European leaders are suddenly forced to engage with Putin, without clear engagement terms.

European Leaders’ Strategy

European leaders, including Macron, Merz, Starmer & von der Leyen, held a video call to discuss steps toward peace, emphasizing that Russia “cannot veto” Ukraine’s EU or NATO membership.

Putin’s Position & Trump’s Stance

Putin warned against “obstacles” and “provocation” while telling Europeans to stay out and Americans in. Trump has hinted at walking away from the war, despite pledges to ramp up military spending.

Danish Prime Minister’s Call to Re‑Arm

The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told the Jyllands‑Posten that “each morning when I wake up, I first think about re‑arming ourselves faster.”