Zelenskyy, European leaders to hold Trump call ahead of Putin summit
As Russian forces push toward Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, diplomatic activity is heating up ahead of the highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday.
On Wednesday, European leaders held a video call with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to align their positions. The talks focused on securing a strong, united stance before Trump’s face-to-face with Putin.
Zelenskyy Pushes for Ukraine’s Seat at the Table
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must be directly involved in any discussions about its future. He thanked Trump for his “leadership and determination” and urged that peace efforts should include both Ukraine and its European allies.
“We coordinated our positions ahead of the Alaska meeting,” Zelenskyy posted online. “Killing must stop immediately. Security must come with strong guarantees. Peace has no alternative.”
Europe Demands Strong Security Guarantees
The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement calling for “robust and credible security guarantees” for Ukraine. They warned that if Putin rejects a ceasefire, tougher sanctions must follow. They also insisted Russia should have no say over Ukraine’s path to NATO or the EU.
Trump Hints at a Second Meeting With Ukraine Present
Trump described the call as “a 10” and suggested that if Friday’s talks with Putin “go OK,” he might quickly arrange a second meeting that would include Zelenskyy. He promised severe consequences for Russia if the war continues.
Allies Caution Against NATO Force Cuts
Polish President Donald Tusk warned that Russia may try to use the talks to reduce NATO’s presence in countries like Poland. He urged a united front, saying, “Europe must convince Donald Trump that one can’t trust Russia.”
Financial and Military Support for Ukraine
NATO’s Mark Rutte announced that Germany will fund a $500 million U.S. military aid package for Ukraine, helping it defend against Russia’s advance.
Growing Optimism — and Anxiety
European leaders remain cautious but hopeful. Many fear that Trump’s position could change once he is alone in the room with Putin, a notoriously tough negotiator. However, there’s optimism that Trump’s engagement signals a shift toward serious peace efforts.
What’s Next
The Alaska summit will be closely watched worldwide. Leaders are already discussing possible venues in Europe or the Middle East for follow-up talks that include Ukraine. Trump has assured allies that his priority is pushing for a ceasefire — and avoiding territorial concessions in early discussions.
#UkraineWar #TrumpPutinSummit #Zelenskyy #RussiaUkraine #PeaceTalks