Trump Briefs EU Leaders Post-Alaska Summit, No Agreement Reached
Following a high-stakes summit in Alaska that yielded no agreement, former President Donald Trump briefed top European Union leaders, including German politician Friedrich Merz. The meeting, characterized by Merz as a blend of “light and shadow,” underscored a notable aspect: Trump made no concessions regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reports 24brussels.
Merz emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stating, “No territorial concessions before there is a peace treaty.” His remarks come amid concerns surrounding Trump’s recent suggestions that Ukraine might have to concede territory to Russia to facilitate peace, a stance that has been met with strong opposition from Kyiv.
In a separate interview aired on Saturday, Merz expressed approval of Washington’s readiness to share the responsibility for Ukraine’s security. “The good news is that America is ready to participate in such security guarantees and is not leaving it to the Europeans alone,” he declared.
However, reactions in Berlin have been mixed. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Trump’s amiable approach towards Putin, asserting that a ceasefire is critical for any meaningful progress in peace negotiations.
This development precedes a planned meeting of France, Germany, and Britain, termed the “Coalition of the Willing,” set to convene on Sunday ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on Monday. Merz stated, “We’ll give a few good pieces of advice,” indicating a proactive stance among European leaders as the current geopolitical situation evolves.
