Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European leaders and the Ukrainian president will speak to President Donald Trump at a virtual conference on Wednesday ahead of his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on Friday, for what the White House says will be “one-on-one” discussions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is holding an online conference with US President Donald Trump and European heads to examine the fighting in Ukraine. During an online call with Trump on Wednesday, the leaders are expected to reaffirm that no decisions, including any forceful border changes, should be made without Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to arrive in Berlin today, as reported by Ukrainian state media Ukrinform. There, he will participate in a virtual call with Trump and European heads.
According to a spokesman for the German government, Trump scheduled a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland, and the EU for 1200 GMT (1400 CET). NATO’s secretary-general was also invited.
How optimistic is Trump about his upcoming meeting with Putin?
Trump said he viewed the upcoming summit with Putin as a chance to test Putin’s willingness to end the war, adding that there would necessarily need to be a series of meetings to arrive at a final peace settlement. The White House called the meeting a “listening exercise,” which seemed to reduce further any expectations of reaching a deal.
Can Trump bring Putin and Zelensky to the table?
Trump expressed that his main goal is to bring Putin and Zelensky together in person to resolve their differences. He believes only they can negotiate a solution to end the war, possibly through some form of “land swapping”, and it is believed one of Putin’s demands is that Ukraine surrenders the parts of the Donbas it still holds.
What does Zelensky say in response to surrendering land?
Zelensky, on the other hand, said he will not give up eastern Ukraine to Russia, per his warning that abandoning the Donbas territory would allow Putin to open a third war in Ukraine. Zelensky and his military commanders have also cautioned that Russia is preparing troops for a possible new offensive expected by September.
Why do EU leaders insist on Ukraine’s full sovereignty?
Furthermore, a few days ago, EU leaders endorsed President Trump’s attempt at finding a way to end Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, while also specifying that a pathway to peace must include the input of Ukraine and adhere to international laws.
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the EU released a joint statement affirming their commitment to the premise that international borders must not change by force. They reaffirmed that Ukraine and the EU must have a part in any agreement concerning Ukraine’s security.
They reaffirmed that
“the borders must not change by force.”
They asserted Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
