International Trip: Zelensky Journeys to Berlin for Video Summit with EU Leaders and President Trump
In a significant development, European leaders are set to convene for a critical video conference on August 13, with the focus on advancing a full peace deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The discussions, which will now include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to centre around exerting pressure on Russia, preparing for possible peace negotiations, and addressing territorial claims and security guarantees.
The European leaders, including French, German, and British leaders, have backed President Zelensky’s visit to Washington and support a peace process involving territorial and security agreements. They believe that a negotiated compromise is essential from both Russia and Ukraine to resolve the territorial disputes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasised that the goal is not just a ceasefire but a comprehensive peace deal, requiring concessions from both sides and involving Russia’s agreement.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, has indicated a willingness to offer future security guarantees, with Europe playing a major defensive role while the U.S. remains involved to protect Ukraine. However, he has not provided clear expectations about his meeting with Vladimir Putin.
There are concerns that the Alaska summit involving Trump and Putin may result in pressure on Ukraine to cede portions of its territory. Ukraine, however, insists on the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory and Western security guarantees, including the continuation of arms deliveries and the deployment of a European contingent.
Recently, the Ukrainian army acknowledged a breakthrough of several kilometers in a strategic sector of the Donetsk region, north of Pokrovsk. However, Russian troops have been gradually gaining territory in Ukraine for months.
Zelensky has stated that Russia is not preparing to end the war, but for new offensives on its territory. European leaders view this dialogue as a critical opportunity to break the deadlock and end the war, which has caused extensive human suffering and infrastructure damage in Ukraine.
The leaders of the EU countries, except Hungary, have insisted on the need for Ukrainians to decide their future, which can only happen in the context of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities. The German chancellor has invited Zelensky, along with JD Vance, to meet with the heads of state and government of France, Britain, Italy, Poland, Finland, and Ukraine on August 13.
Trump, in the past, has claimed he could end three years of Russian invasion in "24 hours," but failed to do so after three rounds of talks in Turkey. Despite this, European leaders remain hopeful that this video conference will be a crucial step towards negotiating a feasible territorial settlement backed by credible security assurances, aiming to end the conflict through diplomacy supported by concerted Western political and security effort.
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