Ukrainian and German leaders aim to influence Trump prior to his summit with Putin
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold urgent talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, as the international community continues to seek a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The meeting, which will take place via video conference, is part of a coordinated Western approach in the lead-up to the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.
The key points of discussion in the talks will centre around achieving a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s vital interests and European security. The meeting will involve leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb, Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and the heads of the EU and NATO.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are a top priority before any territorial discussions. Trump and the European leaders have emphasised that territorial matters must be negotiated bilaterally and trilaterally with Ukraine’s full involvement. The prospect of a ceasefire is also being considered as a precondition for further negotiations, with Trump pressing Putin to agree on a ceasefire during his upcoming Alaska meeting with Putin.
Trump has proposed a land swap deal as the most efficient way to end the war, which is connected to Putin’s offer in Alaska for Ukraine to cede some territory in exchange for peace. However, Zelensky has ruled out withdrawing troops from the Donbas region which Moscow claims.
Europe’s firm commitment to Ukraine’s defence and diplomatic efforts is highlighted by Chancellor Merz mentioning that Germany has provided around 40 billion euros in military aid since 2022 and the EU has enacted 18 sanctions packages against Russia. The EU leaders have stressed Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny and that international borders must not be changed by force.
In a significant move, Germany is set to start deliveries of two Patriot systems to Ukraine. However, Russia has demanded that Kyiv pull its forces out of several regions claimed by Moscow as a prerequisite for a peace settlement.
The talks will come amidst ongoing conflict, with at least three people reportedly killed in Russian artillery and drone attacks on the southern Kherson region. The Ukrainian air force reported that the Russian military fired at least 49 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine during the night. In the Donetsk region, 1,200 people including 42 children were evacuated from front line areas since Tuesday.
Pressure is being exerted on Russia for a fair peace, according to Zelensky, who has spoken with over 30 international leaders in a few days. The talks will also focus on commitments of security guarantees from the US to Ukraine, with Trump pledging to provide Ukraine "very good protection".
A second call is scheduled an hour later with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Trump-Putin meeting on Friday in Alaska is planned to go ahead without Zelensky. Despite having scaled back the intensity of its aerial assaults since the Alaska summit was announced last week, Moscow launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Ukraine.
Ukraine is engaged in "difficult" battles with Russian forces after Moscow made advances in a narrow but important section of the eastern front. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains committed to a peaceful resolution and the involvement of Ukraine in any peace negotiations is a stance supported by all parties.
- The discussions with President Trump will focus on obtaining security guarantees that ensure Ukraine's interests and European security, along with commitments of security guarantees from the US to Ukraine.
- The international community, including leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb, Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the heads of the EU and NATO, are firm in their support for Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny and preventing any changes to international borders through force.
