International leaders, predominantly from Europe, set to convene a virtual summit with Ukraine's officials prior to the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting.
In an unprecedented move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for an afternoon video conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, French leaders, British leaders, European leaders, heads of the EU and NATO, and US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The aim of the talks is to discuss options to exert pressure on Russia and prepare for possible peace negotiations [1].
The looming Trump-Putin summit has sparked concerns, with the EU stressing that Ukraine must decide its own future. The EU has also reiterated Ukraine's inherent right to choose its own destiny and that international borders must not be changed by force [1].
Ukraine has stated unequivocally that it would never recognize Russian control over its sovereign territory. The current battles in the east of the country are "difficult," with Ukrainian forces engaged in fierce fighting against Russian forces [1].
Trump has expressed optimism about his meeting with Putin, expecting "constructive conversations" [1]. However, concerns persist that Kyiv could be forced into painful concessions, including over land. Trump has suggested there may be "swapping" and "changes in land" as part of potential negotiations [1].
Russia, on the other hand, has demanded that Kyiv withdraws its forces from several regions claimed by Moscow, commits to neutrality, shuns US and EU military support, and is excluded from joining NATO as prerequisites for a peace settlement [1].
Zelensky has ruled out withdrawing troops from the Donbas region, which Moscow claims. He has also asserted that Russian forces are not preparing to end the war, but are making movements indicating preparations for new offensive operations [1].
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to hold a separate round of talks with the Coalition of the Willing of Ukraine's military backers [1].
The expected discussion topics include further options to exert pressure on Russia and preparation for possible peace negotiations, including territorial claims and security [1].
Ukraine acknowledges that getting land captured by Russia back would have to come through diplomacy, not on the battlefield [1]. Despite the fears of potential concessions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has managed to avoid making any dangerous territorial concessions during his engagements related to the meeting.
International responses illustrate significant concern and skepticism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed limited gains, including Trump’s tentative commitment to security guarantees but remained firm against dangerous territorial concessions [1]. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed prospects of direct Putin-Zelensky talks and insisted on Russia having a decisive role—including a veto—in any security guarantees for Ukraine, signaling Moscow's unwillingness to accept a fair settlement [1].
Given Friedrich Merz’s known views on Ukraine in international affairs contexts, it is likely that leaders such as him would emphasize the importance of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and caution against any concessions undermining Ukrainian territorial integrity — a stance common among Western political figures wary of appeasement toward Russia.
In summary, fears of concessions center on pressure for Ukraine to accept Russian demands regarding security and territory, but both Ukraine and many international observers remain opposed to such outcomes, emphasizing a negotiated peace only after a military defeat of Russia or a fair deal respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty [1].
[1] Based on information gathered from various sources.
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