Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sets off for Berlin to hold talks before the planned Trump-Putin summit
In the wake of the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, European and Ukrainian leaders have pledged unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, signaling no relaxation of support for the embattled nation despite the talks between the two presidents.
These leaders have communicated their readiness to work toward a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, they have insisted on continuing to reinforce sanctions targeting Russia’s war economy to pressure Moscow until a lasting peace is achieved.
Zelenskyy has engaged directly with Trump and European leaders following the summit. He plans to visit Washington and has outlined proposals for enhanced security guarantees, including a potential $90 billion U.S. weapons package and cooperation frameworks involving European countries’ military presence on Ukrainian soil.
Analysts and Ukrainian officials characterize these security guarantees as preliminary promises rather than concrete commitments. Practical security arrangements would include intelligence sharing, logistics support, and U.S. air power, while European countries like the UK and France might consider stationing forces to help enforce peace.
There is a discernible wariness among European leaders, who have reacted without overt criticism of the summit but have maintained a "reactive" stance toward Trump’s approach. They have emphasized Ukraine’s central role in any peace discussions and the need to counter Russia’s broader ambitions beyond territorial disputes.
Zelenskyy has been firm in his stance, stating that Ukraine would not give up any territory it currently controls, as it would be unconstitutional and could serve as a precursor for a future Russian invasion. He is due to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Wednesday.
European countries are anxious that Putin might target one of them next if he prevails in Ukraine. Zelenskyy is also due to meet with European leaders before a virtual call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The leaders of the "coalition of the willing" countries will hold a call after the call with Trump. Zelenskyy has rejected Putin's proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from the remaining 30% of the Donetsk region as part of a ceasefire deal, further emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to its sovereignty.
Trump has expressed a desire to gauge whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is sincere about ending the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. The situation remains tense, but the united front of European and Ukrainian leaders suggests a commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia and upholding Ukraine's sovereignty.
[1] European leaders pledge unwavering solidarity with Ukraine following Trump-Putin summit. (2021). [URL]
[2] Ukraine seeks enhanced security guarantees from Western allies amid Trump-Putin talks. (2021). [URL]
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