European Leaders Prepare for Key Discussions Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks
European leaders are set to hold a video call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, following an announcement from the German government. This meeting aims to establish a coordinated strategy for the upcoming talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, reports 24brussels.
The initial discussion will involve leaders from Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland, alongside the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, Zelensky, and NATO Chief Mark Rutte. Following this, Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance will participate in a second meeting.
The primary goal of the European leaders is to forge a joint approach prior to the Trump-Putin negotiations, which could significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical dynamics in Europe.
According to a spokesperson for the German government, the agenda will center on critical issues. Leaders will explore strategies to amplify pressure on Russia, assess the situation of Ukrainian territories currently under occupation, and evaluate potential security guarantees for Kyiv along with the sequence of any prospective peace negotiations.
An important demand articulated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and fellow European leaders is that Putin must consent to a ceasefire before any peace discussions or territorial agreements between Moscow and Kyiv can commence.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the European Union are engaged in their own video conference on Monday afternoon. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is participating in this meeting, which is scheduled to conclude at 7 PM. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is also involved in the discussions.
