European Allies Assert Ukraine's Role in Peace Talks Amid Trump-Putin Meeting

As Donald Trump gears up for discussions with Vladimir Putin, European allies reinforce that Ukraine must be part of any peace talks, rejecting proposals that would sideline the nation.

European allies are rallying in a renewed display of support for Ukraine, maintaining that any discussions regarding peace accords with Russia must include the Ukrainian government. With Donald Trump preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the urgency for Ukraine's involvement has been underscored. A joint statement from leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission stressed, "The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised concerns that any agreements made without Kyiv would be "dead decisions," reiterating the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty in peace negotiations. Late on Saturday, a White House official announced that Trump might be inclined to facilitate a trilateral dialogue that includes both Putin and Zelensky, although discussions remain focused solely on the Russian leader for now.

Trump previously indicated a desire to start his diplomacy exclusively with Putin, but expressed hope for involving Zelensky later on. Uncertainty prevails, as a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders has not occurred since the beginning of the conflict over three years ago.

In the lead-up to these critical talks, Trump hinted at potential territory swaps as a means to achieve agreement, a notion met with fierce opposition from Zelensky: “We will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated,” he stated via Telegram. He remains adamant that any decisions made without Ukrainian input only undermine the prospects for lasting peace.

The organization of the Alaska summit has already raised alarm among European leaders, many of whom fear being sidelined from the discussions that hold direct implications for European security. Macron emphasized the necessity of European involvement, insisting, "Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution."

European nations have maintained a tough stance against Moscow, implementing sanctions and providing military aide to Ukraine. Emphasizing Kyiv's centrality in diplomatic efforts, Zelensky articulated his commitment to ensuring that Russian deceit is not tolerated and conveyed the need for a genuine resolution to the conflict.

As US diplomatic efforts unfold, Vice-President JD Vance engaged with key European officials and Zelensky's advisors to stress the importance of Ukraine's involvement in discussions. The assertion remains clear: "A reliable, lasting peace is only possible with Ukraine at the negotiating table," according to Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky's office.

The upcoming Alaska meeting marks a significant moment, being the first direct encounter between sitting US and Russian leaders since Joe Biden's 2021 meeting with Putin, which followed the Kremlin's aggressive military maneuvers into Ukraine. Despite Moscow's territorial ambitions, the war's outcome remains uncertain as both Ukrainian and Russian forces face ongoing challenges in their respective agendas.