German Chancellor Merz Emphasizes European and Ukrainian Security Priorities Ahead of Alaska Summit
On August 14, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened virtual discussions with international leaders to prepare for the impending Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, aiming to establish a united European front on the Ukraine crisis, reports 24brussels.
Attendees included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. The European nations emphasized the necessity of presenting a cohesive stance and outlining their demands to Trump before his meeting with Putin.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted on X that the dialogue with Trump “strengthened the common ground for Ukraine” among Europe, the United States, and NATO. Following the talks, Merz reiterated the importance of safeguarding essential European and Ukrainian security interests in Alaska, insisting that Ukraine should participate in subsequent negotiations and that any ceasefire should form the basis of further discussions.
Merz noted that while Ukraine is ready to negotiate territorial issues, the existing “contact line” must remain a reference point, emphasizing that legal recognition of occupations is non-negotiable. Reports from multiple U.S. media outlets indicated that Trump expressed his intent to avoid territorial discussions with Putin and mentioned the potential for security guarantees for Ukraine, contingent on certain conditions.
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored on Wednesday that “territorial issues concerning Ukraine can only be negotiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.” Speaking alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, Macron highlighted the U.S. goal of achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, adding that “to date, no serious territorial exchange plan is on the table.” He also noted Trump’s intention to hold a “trilateral” meeting with both Zelensky and Putin.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani pointed out that peace cannot be realized without the direct involvement of both Russian and Ukrainian parties, urging for EU participation in negotiations.
As the Alaska summit approaches, security and political analysts express concerns over potential outcomes. Defense expert Peter Wijninga highlighted that the summit reflects significant divisions between European and U.S. perspectives on the Ukraine crisis. There are apprehensions that Trump might negotiate a deal involving the annexation of Ukrainian territories, which would contravene the Ukrainian constitution.
Amid speculation surrounding a potential one-sided agreement, U.S. officials have characterized the summit as a “listening exercise” for Trump to better grasp the situation. Neil Melvin, director of International Security at the Royal United Services Institute, remarked that European leaders appear sidelined, with critical negotiations concerning Ukraine occurring without their direct involvement.
Experts predict two primary outcomes from the meeting: a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine or a broader reset of U.S.-Russia relations. Political scientist Stefan Wolff commented that Trump is likely interested in both options but does not view them as mutually exclusive.
With low expectations for significant advancements coming from the Alaska meeting, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed her skepticism, stressing the importance of considering European interests in Trump and Putin’s discussions. Merz concluded that if no progress emerges from the Russian side, it is imperative for the United States and Europe to heighten pressure accordingly.
