As US President Donald Trump prepares for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has secured strong diplomatic backing from Europe and the NATO alliance.
The summit aims to discuss ending the war between Moscow and Kyiv, but Ukraine fears the meeting could see ceasefire terms imposed without its input.
Europe and NATO Insist Ukraine Must Be Included
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s involvement:
“The US has the power to force Russia to negotiate seriously. Any deal between the US and Russia must have Ukraine and the EU included, for it is a matter of Ukraine’s and the whole of Europe’s security.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told ABC News:
“Friday’s summit will be about testing Putin, how serious he is on bringing this terrible war to an end. It will be, of course, about security guarantees, but also about the absolute need to acknowledge that Ukraine decides on its own future, that Ukraine has to be a sovereign nation, deciding on its own geopolitical future.”
Kyiv Demands a Seat at the Table
While a White House official noted Trump is open to Zelenskyy attending the summit, preparations currently focus on a bilateral meeting between the US and Russia. Zelenskiy has warned:
“Any decisions taken without Kyiv will be stillborn and unworkable.”
On Saturday, leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement stressing:
“Any diplomatic solution must protect the security interests of Ukraine and Europe.”
Russia’s Stance and Ongoing Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated no plans to meet Zelenskyy, stating conditions for such a meeting are “unfortunately still far” from being met. Meanwhile, Russia continued airstrikes on Sunday in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, injuring at least 12, according to Ukraine’s foreign affairs ministry.
Responding to the strikes, Zelenskyy said: “That is why sanctions are needed, pressure is needed.”
Territorial Disputes Cloud Peace Prospects
Trump has suggested a potential peace deal might involve swapping territory between Russia and Ukraine. However, Ukrainian leadership firmly opposes surrendering land. Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared:
“I won’t allow a second partition of my country after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.”
Currently, Russia controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
Uncertain Outcomes and Competing Proposals
US Vice President JD Vance cautioned:
“Both the Russians and the Ukrainians, probably, at the end of the day, are going to be unhappy with it.”
A European official revealed that Europe has drafted a counter-proposal to Trump’s plan but declined to share details. Russian officials accused Europe of undermining Trump’s efforts to end the war.
