BRUSSELS: European leaders are advocating for Ukraine’s involvement in upcoming negotiations between the United States and Russia as talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump approach.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Alaska on Friday, aiming to address the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine. However, European officials stress that any resolution should include input from both Kyiv and European nations.
On Monday, EU foreign ministers will have a virtual meeting to discuss their next steps, which will also include Ukraine’s foreign minister. Concerns have been raised about a potential agreement between the US and Russia that could lead to Ukraine losing significant territory, which Europe firmly opposes.
A collective statement from leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Britain, and Finland, along with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, stated, “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine.” They urged President Trump to increase pressure on Russia.
In a busy few days, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reached out to 13 world leaders, including key supporters like Germany, Britain, and France.
Trump and Putin’s Meeting on Ukraine Peace in Alaska
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that Zelenskyy would participate in the summit of leaders. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized that any agreement between the US and Russia must involve Ukraine and the EU.
“President Trump is correct that Russia needs to conclude its aggression against Ukraine. The US holds significant power to encourage Russia to negotiate seriously. Any agreement must include Ukraine and the EU, as it pertains to the security of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole,” Kallas stated.
She mentioned plans for an extraordinary EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday to formulate their strategy, with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also attending.
Territorial Issues Remain a Challenge
During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, NATO head Mark Rutte remarked that Trump is “pressuring Putin” and that the upcoming meeting would be crucial in determining Putin’s seriousness regarding ending the war.
On the ground, Ukraine’s military reported regaining control of a village in the Sumy region, despite recent Russian advances.
Kallas also supported Ukraine’s position regarding its territory, stating, “As we seek a fair and lasting peace, international law makes it clear: All temporarily occupied territories are part of Ukraine.”
Rutte acknowledged the reality that Russia currently controls parts of Ukrainian territory, suggesting that future discussions may need to recognize this situation without granting formal political acknowledgment.
“Understanding that Russia is, in practice, controlling certain areas of Ukraine could be part of future negotiations,” Rutte concluded.
