Diplomats from Europe aim to maintain their influence following the Ukraine summit

In a bid to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European leaders have called for increased pressure on Russia until a solid and durable peace is achieved. This comes as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen have proposed a three-way summit involving Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump, aiming for quick negotiations possibly as early as late August 2025.

However, the summit's status remains uncertain. Putin has not publicly committed to the meeting, and there is significant skepticism about his willingness to participate given his maximalist demands on Ukrainian territory and historic reluctance to negotiate directly with Zelensky.

According to sources, Trump has expressed interest in holding the summit quickly, as soon as August 22, 2025. However, Putin's terms, which involve Ukraine withdrawing from certain eastern regions, are a major obstacle, making a breakthrough unlikely.

Zelensky is set to meet Trump in Washington, with European leaders and NATO officials involved in discussions of Putin’s demands and the possible summit. Ukrainian officials and analysts doubt Putin’s willingness to meet Zelensky directly, suggesting Putin fears the optics of facing a democratic leader like Zelensky and may instead push for indirect or lower-level diplomacy.

While Trump reportedly sees the potential for peace talks, the lack of Kremlin confirmation and Putin’s past refusals make the realization of the trilateral summit doubtful at this time.

In a recent development, European leaders held a video call to discuss their next steps after debriefing with Trump and Zelensky. However, no new information about the proposed Trump-Putin-Zelensky summit or its location is provided.

Europe found itself shut out of the summit in Alaska and tried to weigh in ahead of the meeting with a flurry of calls and urgent meetings between leaders. A video call is scheduled for Sunday between the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany to discuss steps towards peace in Ukraine with their so-called "coalition of the willing."

Amidst these diplomatic efforts, Professor Alberto Alemanno from HEC university in Paris stated that there was no deal, which is good news for both Ukraine and the Europeans. He also expressed concern that European leaders have never engaged with Putin and are "a bit stuck" now that they have to do so without knowing the terms of engagement.

Meanwhile, Putin has warned Ukraine and European countries not to create any obstacles or attempt to disrupt the emerging progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigues. Russia, having faced 18 rounds of European sanctions since invading Ukraine in February 2022, is unlikely to be ready for any thaw in its relations with the European bloc.

James Nixey, a specialist in Russian foreign policy, stated that Putin's intention is to keep Europeans out and Americans in. This is evident as Russia continues to face economic sanctions and political isolation, with no signs of easing tensions in the near future.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that each morning her first thought is that they have to re-arm themselves even faster. Europe is lacking resources to help defend against a Russia intent on subjugating Ukraine.

A new European security map is at risk of being drawn up without Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Europe's leaders involved. A statement signed by the aforementioned European leaders states that Moscow cannot have a veto on Ukraine joining the European Union or NATO.

Despite the challenges, the European leaders remain committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The proposed three-way summit, while uncertain, offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Diplomats from Europe aim to maintain their influence following the Ukraine summit