EU calls on Trump to safeguard interests prior to Ukraine war meeting
In a critical moment for Ukraine's future, European Union leaders are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to stand firm against Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands for territorial concessions. This comes as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, threatens to escalate further.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened virtual meetings this week to rally support for Ukraine, with the fate of the embattled nation hanging in the balance. The EU leaders are actively trying to influence Trump ahead of his meeting with Putin, emphasizing the importance of a united Western front to support Ukraine.
The EU leaders oppose any permanent land concessions by Ukraine to Russia, viewing such moves as dangerous, destabilizing, and precedent-setting. They argue that conceding territory like the Donbas would not only weaken Ukraine but could also encourage Russia to press claims on other countries with Russian minorities, worsening global border stability and increasing nuclear proliferation risks.
Instead of ceding territory, the EU favours the creation of a "Coalition of the Willing" with European troops and support for Ukraine’s defence. They are pressing Trump to back European-led security without U.S. ground forces, emphasizing that U.S. leverage is greatest when united with Europe and sanctions must be maintained.
The EU leaders are wary that Putin might secure favourable concessions and set the outlines of a peace deal without them. Military analysts predict that the next 24-48 hours could be critical due to the potential loss of Pokrovsk by Ukraine, which would be an important battlefield victory for Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the idea that Ukraine must commit to giving up land to secure a cease-fire. Trump, who has been critical of Zelenskyy, contrasted his leadership with Putin's, who has wielded power unchallenged in Russia for decades. However, Trump has indicated that there will be land swapping in the upcoming meeting with Putin, although the details of what Putin might give up remain unclear.
The meeting, focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine, is scheduled for later this week. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Putin's closest ally in Europe, did not endorse the statement of European unity regarding Ukraine. The overarching fear for European countries is that Putin will set his sights on one of them next if he wins in Ukraine.
In response, the EU leaders have urged Trump to safeguard their security interests ahead of the meeting with Putin. The Europeans and Ukraine are united in their desire to prevent Trump from yielding to Moscow’s demands for permanent territorial changes, instead promoting a robust and united Western strategy to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security against continued Russian aggression.
References: 1. "EU leaders urge Trump to safeguard their security interests ahead of Putin meeting" - Reuters, link 2. "European leaders warn Trump against Putin's territorial demands for Ukraine" - The Guardian, link 3. "EU leaders urge Trump to stand firm against Putin's land demands for Ukraine" - Bloomberg, link
- The European Union leaders are urging President Trump to support Ukraine's defense and maintain sanctions against Russia, as they fear concessions could embolden Putin to press claims on other countries and increase nuclear proliferation risks.
- In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the European leaders are rallying for a "Coalition of the Willing" with European troops, pressuring Trump to back a European-led security strategy without U.S. ground forces.
- The EU leaders argue that conceding territory like the Donbas to Russia would not only weaken Ukraine but also destabilize border stability throughout Europe, potentially encouraging further Russian aggression.
