Europe Urges Trump: Keep Ukraine at the Heart of Peace Talks Before You Meet Putin
Building Momentum Ahead of the Alaska Summit
With President Trump’s Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin approaching, Europe is on edge. Even though Trump has voiced support for Ukraine, leaders worry that Putin—a former KGB official—might sway him back to a pro-Russian stance.
To influence the narrative, European leaders organized a virtual summit with Trump this week—like a last-minute pep talk ahead of his high-stakes talks with Putin.
Agreement on Five Key Principles
Following the session, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined five guiding principles all sides reportedly agreed on:
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Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine – Any negotiations must include Ukraine.
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Start planning a U.S.-Russia-Ukraine summit, with Kyiv at the table.
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Ceasefire must come before peace talks.
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Ukraine should receive strong security guarantees, similar to NATO.
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Sanctions on Russia should be increased if a ceasefire is not reached.
“Russia cannot have a veto over Ukraine’s European and NATO prospects,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz added that borders should not be redrawn by force and made clear that any peace must start with a cessation of violence.
Trump Signals Shift—but Skepticism Remains
According to sources, Trump appeared open to a ceasefire during his upcoming meeting with Putin, saying it would be a gesture of goodwill. He also stated that territorial decisions were not for him to negotiate.
In public remarks, however, Trump warned Putin of “very severe consequences” if a ceasefire agreement was not secured—and suggested a follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy could happen almost immediately after his Alaska visit.
Europe hopes this signals progress, though many remain cautious given Trump’s shifting tone.
What Matters Most: Europe’s Position
European leaders—including Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen—have joined Ukraine’s call for peace, emphasizing:
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Ceasefire should come first, followed by peace talks.
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Ukraine must always lead the conversation.
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No territorial concessions under duress.
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Security guarantees are essential for long-term stability.
The momentum built during the virtual summit sets the stage for Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to the White House, where he’ll meet Trump—joined by European leaders.
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