**Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy Wins Backing from Europe and NATO Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit**
In a move to counterbalance the upcoming Russia-U.S. summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has gained support from European leaders and NATO. This development comes as Ukraine fears that the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin may try to dictate terms for ending the 3-1/2-year war.
The U.S. president had initially threatened new sanctions against Russia, but instead announced a meeting with Putin in Alaska on August 15. A White House official said that preparations are currently set for a bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin, without Zelenskiy’s participation. However, the Ukrainian leader stated that any decisions taken without Ukraine will be “stillborn” and unworkable.
**European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine**
The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission have issued a joint statement, emphasizing that any diplomatic solution must protect the security interests of Ukraine and Europe. They stressed that the U.S. has the power to force Russia to negotiate seriously and that any deal between the U.S. and Russia should include Ukraine and the EU.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the summit as an opportunity to test Putin’s commitment to ending the war, while also highlighting the need for security guarantees and recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russian officials have accused Europe of trying to thwart Trump’s efforts to end the war.
**Russia’s Response**
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev criticized European interference in a social media post, calling it “Euro-imbeciles” trying to prevent American efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Ukraine and the EU’s relationship as “necrophilia”.
**Territorial Swap Fears**
Ukrainian officials fear that Trump may propose a territorial swap, which could involve Russia giving up some territory in exchange for recognition of its control over Ukrainian land. This proposal has sparked concerns that Ukraine may face pressure to surrender more land.
Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin analyst, suggested that a swap could entail Russia handing over 1,500 sq km to Ukraine and obtaining 7,000 sq km, which would likely be captured within six months. However, this proposal lacks evidence and has been met with skepticism by Western military analysts.
**European Counter-Proposal**
A European official revealed that the EU has come up with a counter-proposal to Trump’s plan, but declined to provide details. This move is seen as an attempt to ensure Ukraine’s security interests are protected in any potential peace deal.
As the situation unfolds, Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko emphasized the importance of Kyiv’s partnership with its European allies in countering attempts to keep it away from the table.
**The Stakes**
Professor Phillips P. O’Brien warned that what emerges from the summit will likely be a catastrophe for Ukraine and Europe. The stakes are high, as Ukraine faces a difficult dilemma: accepting a humiliating deal or going it alone without European backing.
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