European leaders have welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, they also emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow and safeguarding the security interests of both Ukraine and Europe. Trump is scheduled to meet Putin in Alaska, and he believes that the involved parties, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, are nearing a resolution for the three-and-a-half-year-old conflict. While Trump is open to a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskiy, a White House official confirmed that a bilateral meeting has been planned at Putin’s request.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and representatives from Ukraine and its European allies to discuss Trump’s peace efforts. Following the meeting, a joint statement from the leaders of France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Britain, Finland, and the European Commission commended Trump’s efforts but also stressed the need for continued support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. The leaders underscored their shared belief that a diplomatic solution must protect the vital security interests of Ukraine and Europe, and that international borders should not be altered by force. They also insisted that any negotiations must begin with a ceasefire.
Ukraine, however, has reiterated its stance against any territorial concessions. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, stated that while a ceasefire is necessary, “the front line is not a border.” A European official revealed that European representatives presented a counterproposal, which includes demands for a ceasefire to be implemented before any other steps are taken, and that any territorial exchange must be reciprocal and accompanied by firm security guarantees.
