Berlin – European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will engage in a virtual conference with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, ahead of Trump’s pivotal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. The White House describes this forthcoming discussion as “one-on-one” dialogues, reports 24brussels.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is orchestrating the conference to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During the call, leaders are anticipated to assert that no decisions, particularly any changes to borders, should occur without Ukraine’s involvement.
Zelensky is set to arrive in Berlin today, with expectations to join the virtual call alongside Trump and other European leaders.
According to a spokesperson for the German government, the video conference will involve Zelensky and leaders from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Italy, Poland, and the EU, commencing at 1200 GMT (1400 CET). NATO’s Secretary-General has also been invited to participate.
How optimistic is Trump about his upcoming meeting with Putin?
Trump described the upcoming summit as an opportunity to gauge Putin’s readiness to conclude the conflict, noting that reaching a final peace settlement will require multiple discussions. The White House has characterized the meeting as a “listening exercise,” which may temper expectations of achieving a substantial agreement.
Can Trump bring Putin and Zelensky to the table?
Trump emphasized his objective to facilitate a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky to negotiate their disputes. He posits that only they can forge a resolution to the ongoing war, potentially involving territorial concessions. Reportedly, one of Putin’s conditions is the surrender of the territories in Donbas still under Ukrainian control.
What does Zelensky say in response to surrendering land?
In contrast, Zelensky firmly stated that he will not yield eastern Ukraine to Russia, warning that conceding the Donbas region could enable Putin to initiate a new offensive in Ukraine. Zelensky and his military leaders have raised concerns about Russia’s troop movements, suggesting preparations for a possible escalation by September.
Why do EU leaders insist on Ukraine’s full sovereignty?
Recent statements from EU leaders support Trump’s initiative to seek an end to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, emphasizing that any path to peace must involve Ukraine’s participation and compliance with international law.
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the EU released a joint declaration reiterating their commitment to the principle that international borders must not be altered through coercion. They reinforced the necessity for both Ukraine and the EU to be included in any agreements regarding Ukraine’s security.
“the borders must not change by force.”
They affirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
