**European Allies Unite Behind Ukraine, Insisting on Kyiv’s Inclusion in Peace Talks**
In a significant show of support for Ukraine, European leaders have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement, signed by the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission, comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The joint statement emphasizes that any peace talks between Russia and Ukraine must include Kyiv. This stance is a direct response to Trump’s suggestion that he may start by meeting only with Putin, without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has made it clear that any agreements reached without his country’s participation would be “dead decisions.”
**A Trilateral Meeting in Question**
While the US White House has confirmed that Trump is willing to hold a trilateral meeting with both Putin and Zelensky, the status of this meeting remains uncertain. Putin has historically been reluctant to engage in direct talks with Ukraine, and it’s unclear whether he will agree to include Zelensky in the Alaska summit.
**European Leaders Push Back Against US Diplomacy**
In a move that suggests growing unease among European allies about their lack of influence over the outcome of any agreement reached by Trump and Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns on social media. He warned against Russia and the US excluding European involvement in the peace process, highlighting that “Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution” due to their own security interests.
**A Clear Message from Zelensky**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been resolute in his stance on peace negotiations. He has repeatedly emphasized that any agreements without Kyiv’s participation would amount to “dead decisions.” Speaking on Telegram, he reacted strongly to Trump’s suggestion of swapping territories between Russia and Ukraine, saying that the end of the war must be fair.
**European Support Remains Unwavering**
In a phone call with Macron on Saturday, Zelensky stressed the importance of ensuring that “the Russians do not get to deceive anyone again.” He thanked European leaders for their unwavering support, highlighting that the end of the war must be genuine and based on reliable security foundations for Ukraine and other European nations.
**US Diplomacy Falls Short**
The visit by US Vice-President JD Vance to the UK and his talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, as well as two of Zelensky’s top aides, have been met with skepticism. While Vance emphasized the need for a ceasefire, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, made it clear that Ukraine must be included in peace negotiations.
As the Alaska summit approaches, European allies remain united behind Ukraine, insisting on Kyiv’s inclusion in any peace talks. The question now remains whether Trump and Putin will take heed of this message or proceed with a meeting that may compromise Ukraine’s interests.
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