Trump declaratively communicated to Zelenskyy and his associates that he would not engage in negotiations regarding territorial divisions with Putin during the forthcoming week, according to trustworthy sources.
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this week, a summit that has raised concerns among European and Ukrainian officials. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, has excluded Ukraine and its European allies from the negotiation table, sparking fears that their influence on key issues, particularly Ukraine's sovereignty and security, may be undermined.
European leaders are apprehensive that Trump appears to share parts of Putin's narrative blaming Ukraine's Western integration for the war, and might delay or soften sanctions against Russia. This could weaken the West’s leverage against Moscow. Ukrainian officials fear that Putin used the meeting to press demands for territorial concessions from Ukraine, a stance that Kyiv rejects, with Trump potentially seeing Ukraine as the obstacle to peace.
However, Trump has indicated a desire for a second meeting "almost immediately," and has stated that he aims to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine during the meeting with Putin. All leaders agreed that a ceasefire must be implemented before peace negotiations can begin, and achieving a ceasefire is expected to be the priority for Trump in the meeting.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine and stop the killing. European leaders left the call feeling positive about Trump's plans for his meeting with Putin. If Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, Trump has threatened "severe consequences" for Russia.
There were concerns among European and Ukrainian officials that Trump and Putin might agree to territorial divisions in a peace deal. These concerns reflect a broader fear that the Alaska summit's direction could undermine Ukraine's interests and European security without their direct input.
Vice President JD Vance has stated that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the most important shared security goals in Europe. All leaders agreed that Ukraine must be included in negotiations and should decide on any territorial concessions. Trump has suggested a quick second meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy after his meeting with Putin, hinting at a continued focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Trump's comments about "land swapping" between Russia and Ukraine have put Zelenskyy and European leaders on edge, adding to the tension surrounding the summit. Despite the concerns, the leaders remain united in their belief that if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, Trump will likely levy new sanctions on Russia.
The outcome of the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska will have significant implications for the future of Ukraine and European security. The hope is that a peaceful resolution can be found, one that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and security, and includes Ukraine in the negotiations.
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