EU and Ukraine aim to influence Trump-Putin summit plan
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Near London, a meeting took place between European and Ukrainian leaders and senior US officials amid concerns that Europe and Ukraine might be excluded from the upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, according to The New York Times.
European officials expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and insisted that any negotiations regarding territorial changes must be preceded by a ceasefire.
They emphasized that Ukraine will not cede territories not controlled by Moscow, and that any agreement must be accompanied by reliable security guarantees, including from the United States.
Participants of the meeting emphasized that Washington and Moscow cannot make agreements without involving Ukraine and European partners.
The meeting, organized by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Vice President J.D. Vance, brought together key representatives from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
According to the publication, Putin insists on recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and the entire territory of Donbas, including the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, parts of which Russia does not currently control.
At the same time, he is ready to freeze front lines in other regions, including around Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine's participation in the negotiations
Europeans fear that Trump and Putin may reach an agreement without Ukraine's involvement and are trying to persuade Trump to ensure Zelenskyy's presence at the negotiating table.
They also seek to be as involved as possible in the process, although this seems unlikely.
After the meeting, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the EU issued a joint statement calling for increased pressure on Russia and stressing that "the path to peace cannot be determined without Ukraine."
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the need to include Europe in the negotiations, emphasizing that Europe's security depends directly on the outcome of this war.
EU calls for tougher sanctions
The approaches of the US and Europe to resolving the conflict have recently diverged: Trump and his team are seeking quick solutions, while Europe calls for tougher sanctions and upholding the principles of international law.
Europeans also expressed concern that excessive concessions to Russia would only fuel its appetite, especially in the Baltic states.
Ahead of the Alaska summit, Europe insists on promptly involving Zelenskyy in the talks and intensifying dialogue among all parties.
Upcoming Trump-Putin negotiations
Recall that US President Donald Trump announced a meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on August 15, which will take place in Alaska. Ukraine will be among the topics discussed.
Trump stated that a "territorial swap" between Ukraine and Russia is possible.
It should be noted that earlier media reports indicated that during a meeting with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin said he would agree to a complete ceasefire if Ukraine withdrew its troops from Donetsk region.
However, according to Bild, Witkoff misunderstood Putin, as this also involves withdrawing Ukrainian forces from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, while the special envoy interpreted it as a withdrawal of Russian troops.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Putin may issue an ultimatum during the meeting with Trump, demanding recognition of the occupied territories in exchange for pulling Russian troops out of other areas.
