**EU Leaders Scramble to Influence US Position Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks**
In a bid to ensure that Ukraine’s sovereignty is protected, European leaders are racing against time to influence the US position ahead of talks between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The two leaders are set to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss an end to the 3-1/2-year war in Ukraine.
According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the US has pledged to consult with European partners before the meeting. “The American side has promised that it will consult with European partners on its position before the meeting in Alaska,” Tusk said at a press conference. This development is seen as a welcome move by EU leaders, who are eager to ensure that Ukraine’s interests are not compromised.
**Ukraine Warns Against Concessions to Russia**
In a statement on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that concessions to Moscow would not persuade it to stop fighting in Ukraine. “We need to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin,” he said. This warning is seen as a clear indication of Ukraine’s position and its determination to resist any attempts to compromise its sovereignty.
**EU Leaders Unite Behind Ukraine**
European leaders have been vocal in their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to safeguard its sovereignty, provide security guarantees, and allow Kyiv to choose its own path. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that “any deal between the US and Russia must have Ukraine and the EU included” for it is a matter of Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.
**EU Fears Precedent of Forced Territorial Changes**
The EU has also expressed concerns about the precedent that could be set if a deal were to be forced on Kyiv. “Regarding territorial issues, the Russian position is framed as a territorial swap, but it appears as a rather one-sided swap,” said a European Commission official. The EU fears that such a deal would create a dangerous precedent and undermine international norms.
**US and EU Alignment**
In a sign of cooperation between the US and the EU, US Vice President JD Vance met with European and Ukrainian officials over the weekend. This outreach is expected to continue in the coming days as European leaders seek to ensure that their views are taken into account by the White House. “The most robust security guarantee would be that there are no limitations on Ukraine armed forces and third countries’ support to Ukraine,” said an EU official.
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