Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Berlin on Wednesday for a significant virtual meeting hosted by Germany, involving Donald Trump and various European leaders. This meeting takes place just two days before Trump's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The discussions among European leaders center on the critical importance of safeguarding Kyiv's interests during the upcoming U.S.-Russia summit, marking the first of its kind since 2021.
As the world anticipates the U.S.-Russia summit, European leaders are keen to emphasize the dangers associated with compromising Ukraine's position. Trump has described the forthcoming Alaska talks as a preliminary meeting focused on exploring conditions for a potential ceasefire in Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine. His comments from last week have raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, particularly his suggestion that any negotiated settlement might involve territorial concessions.
In Berlin, President Zelenskiy is set to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz before engaging in a video conference with leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and the European Union at 2 p.m. (1200 GMT). NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also participate in this crucial dialogue. Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to join the call at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT).
The unpredictability of the discussions in Alaska has heightened anxiety among European leaders, who are apprehensive that the U.S. and Russia might reach significant agreements without adequately considering Ukraine’s stance. “We are working diligently to prevent any unfavorable decisions,” stated a senior Eastern European official, highlighting the importance of maintaining unity among European nations.
European leaders have expressed cautious support for Trump's diplomatic efforts while firmly asserting that no agreements regarding Ukraine—where approximately a fifth of the territory remains under Russian occupation—should occur without Ukraine's involvement. The Trump administration has tempered expectations for substantial advancements toward a ceasefire, characterizing the upcoming meeting with Putin as primarily a listening exercise.
Several senior European officials shared their concerns with Reuters, indicating a palpable risk that a deal could be established that undermines both Europe and Ukraine's security. They underscored the necessity of European solidarity should such a situation arise. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Trump’s approach during the summit will be to gauge what is necessary to facilitate a deal.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that 69% of Ukrainians support a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible. However, the same polls indicate a strong sentiment against achieving peace at any cost, particularly if it necessitates significant concessions. Ahead of the scheduled calls, Zelenskiy emphasized that any agreement requiring Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the eastern Donbas region would be unacceptable. He articulated that such a withdrawal would compromise Ukraine's defensive capabilities, potentially allowing for a deeper Russian incursion into Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskiy asserted that discussions regarding territorial disputes should only commence once a ceasefire is established and Ukraine has received adequate security assurances. Meanwhile, Russian military operations have intensified, tightening control over critical cities like Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine.
This developing situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy regarding Ukraine and the vital need for cohesive strategies among European nations as they navigate the challenges posed by the U.S.-Russia summit.
