European allies have united in a strong display of support for Ukraine, emphasising that any negotiations with Russia must involve Kyiv.
A collaborative statement released by the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission was made public before US President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
A White House official has confirmed that former President Trump is open to the possibility of a trilateral meeting that would involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, at this stage, the focus remains on a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as initially proposed by the Russian leader.
Zelensky has asserted that any agreements made without the involvement of Kyiv will be considered “dead decisions.”
Former President Trump has indicated that his initial approach could involve a meeting solely with President Putin, stating to reporters his intention to “start off with Russia.” But the US president also said that he believed “we have a shot at” organising a trilateral meeting with both Putin and Zelensky.
The possibility of Putin agreeing to this remains uncertain, as he has turned down multiple chances for direct negotiations. Notably, the two leaders have not convened in person since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.
During remarks made on Friday, Trump indicated that there “will be some swapping of territories” as a potential pathway for Moscow and Kyiv to achieve an agreement. This statement elicited a strong response from Zelensky.
“We will not reward Russia for its actions,” he stated on Telegram. “Any decisions made that exclude Ukraine are, in essence, decisions that undermine peace.”
“The Russians continue to advocate for the notion of ‘exchanging’ Ukrainian territory for Ukrainian territory, a strategy that promises only to secure more advantageous positions for them to reignite hostilities,” he stated with determination.
Reports indicate that the White House is actively seeking to persuade European allies to endorse an agreement that would allow Russia to retain control over the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, as well as the Crimean Peninsula.
In a statement issued late Saturday night, European leaders emphasised that “international borders must not be changed by force.”
“Ukraine possesses the autonomy to determine its own future,” they emphasised, highlighting their countries’ ongoing commitment to support Ukraine through diplomatic, military, and financial means.
Leaders emphasised the importance of a “diplomatic solution,” highlighting its significance not only for the protection of Ukraine but also for the security of Europe as a whole.
Ukraine is not the only entity facing challenges in its participation in the Alaska meeting.
European allies express concerns regarding their limited influence on the potential outcomes of any agreement that Trump may negotiate with Putin.
On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to express his apprehensions regarding the exclusion of European involvement by both Russia and the United States.
He stated that Europeans must be included in the solution, as their security is on the line.
On Sunday, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to allied nations for their ongoing support.
“The conclusion of the conflict must be just, and I express my gratitude to all those who support Ukraine and its citizens today in the pursuit of peace, which is essential for safeguarding the critical security interests of our European nations,” he stated.
Europe has adopted a stringent stance towards Moscow, implementing sanctions on Russian entities and extending military assistance to Ukraine.
In a phone conversation on Saturday, Zelensky conveyed to Macron that it is crucial to ensure “the Russians do not get to deceive anyone again.”
The Ukrainian leader emphasised the necessity for a proper resolution to the conflict, alongside dependable security measures for Ukraine and other nations across Europe.
On Saturday, Vice-President JD Vance took the reins of US diplomacy with Europe and Ukraine, visiting the UK for discussions with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and two senior aides to President Zelensky.
In a recent statement, Andriy Yermak, the head of President Zelensky’s office, expressed gratitude to Vance for their discussions, while emphasising the importance of including Ukraine in future considerations.
“A sustainable and enduring peace can only be achieved if Ukraine is included in the negotiations,” he stated. “A ceasefire is essential; however, the frontline should not be viewed as a mere border.”
The upcoming summit in Alaska marks a significant moment, as it will be the first meeting between the current US and Russian presidents since Joe Biden’s encounter with Vladimir Putin in Geneva in June 2021. This territory, purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867, adds historical weight to the proceedings.
In a significant escalation, Moscow deployed troops into Ukraine nine months later.
In 2022, the Kremlin declared the annexation of four regions in Ukraine: Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, even though it did not exercise complete control over these areas.
Moscow has not succeeded in securing a significant breakthrough in its extensive invasion, yet it continues to control substantial areas of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian offensives have struggled to make significant gains against Russian forces.
