LoomingRussian aggression before Putin-Trump meeting raises concerns over possible Ukrainian setbacks
In an upcoming historic meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump will hold their first in-person talks since 2021, scheduled for this Friday at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. However, the current stance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Union leaders is generally firm against making territory concessions to Russia in the context of peace talks on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials maintain that they have been constructive and willing to engage in diplomacy but remain skeptical of Russia's intentions and demands, which are seen as often unreasonable or aiming to undercut Ukraine's sovereignty. Analysts and Ukrainian politicians express doubt that Putin will agree to meaningful talks without setting unacceptable preconditions, such as forced elections in Ukraine or denying Ukraine's agency to decide its future.
The offensive in eastern Ukraine, one of the most significant advances by Russian forces this year, has been described as difficult against Ukrainian troops. In response, Ukraine's military has deployed reserve units to blunt the advance in Donetsk. The combat in Donetsk has been particularly challenging, with Russian troops making progress towards the coal-mining town of Dobropillia.
European Union leaders align closely with Ukraine's stance, generally supporting the avoidance of premature territorial concessions that could reward aggression. The EU emphasizes respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the need for any peace settlement to be based on Ukrainian consent rather than imposed conditions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk vowed to press Trump to accept Europe's stance, stating that Ukraine cannot be pressured into concessions that reek of capitulation.
Trump has hinted at a peace arrangement that might involve "swapping territories" between Russia and Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy and EU leaders have been adamant that they will not cede Ukrainian territory as part of any peace deal. Instead, they focus on diplomatic engagement that respects Ukraine's independence and security without conceding land to Russia.
Zelenskyy and EU leaders will hold a virtual session with Trump to stress that "talks about us without us will not work." The Ukrainian President has also expressed openness to a future three-way meeting with Trump. Despite Trump's recent tough rhetoric towards Moscow, agreeing to send more weapons to Ukraine and threatening steep tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, the future course of action remains uncertain.
As the world watches the upcoming Putin-Trump meeting, the question of Ukraine's future hangs in the balance. The firm stance of Zelenskyy and EU leaders against territory concessions offers a glimmer of hope for Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. Whether this stance will hold in the face of potential concessions from Trump remains to be seen.
[1] Source: Reuters, Associated Press, and BBC News reports.
- The European Union, aligning with Ukraine's stance, has emphasized the need for any peace settlement regarding Ukraine to be based on Ukrainian consent, respecting its sovereignty and avoiding premature territorial concessions that could reward aggression.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity, stating that Ukraine cannot be pressured into concessions that reek of capitulation, urging Trump to accept Europe's stance on the matter.
