Zelensky, European Leaders Push Trump to Back Ukraine Ahead of Putin Summit in Alaska
Zelensky, European Leaders Push Trump to Back Ukraine Ahead of Putin Summit in Alaska
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is aligning with key European leaders this week in an effort to influence former U.S. President Donald Trump to support Ukraine’s position during his highly anticipated summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska.
The diplomatic effort includes a virtual meeting set for Wednesday, where Zelensky will join German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other European leaders in a joint call with Trump. Their goal is to reaffirm a unified stance: no international decisions regarding Ukraine — particularly those related to its territorial integrity — should be made without Ukraine’s direct involvement. This message is especially urgent as fears mount that Trump could endorse a territorial compromise with Russia.
In recent comments, Trump suggested that a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine might involve what he termed a “swapping of territories.” This has raised alarm in Kyiv and across Europe, especially amid reports that Russian demands may include Ukraine relinquishing control over parts of the eastern Donbas region, which it still governs.
Zelensky Reminds Allies of Kremlin’s Invasion of Ukraine
Zelensky has strongly opposed any such compromise, warning on Tuesday that conceding territory would embolden Moscow and potentially open the door to future military aggression. “If we give up any part of our land, it will only serve as a launchpad for further Russian attacks,” Zelensky said, reminding allies of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022.
Recent developments on the battlefield have heightened concerns. Russian forces have launched a renewed summer offensive, making a notable advance near the eastern town of Dobropillia, reportedly gaining approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) of territory in a short time. Though Ukrainian officials have sought to downplay the strategic significance of this move, Zelensky emphasized that the timing was no coincidence. He suggested the offensive was designed more for psychological and political impact than for actual military gains.
“It’s clear that Russia is trying to shape a narrative ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting,” Zelensky said. “They want to create the impression that Russia is advancing while Ukraine is losing ground — all to influence the perception going into the summit.”
Putin’s Demands Still Remains Unclear
No official agenda has been released for the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting, and it remains unclear what specific demands Putin may present. Nevertheless, Ukrainian and European officials are worried that the former U.S. president might be open to concessions that could validate Moscow’s territorial claims.
According to EU leaders, any changes to Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders must not be achieved through military force. This principle was echoed strongly in the run-up to Wednesday’s preparatory video call, where European leaders emphasized the importance of unity and a firm stance on sovereignty and international law.
As part of the diplomatic push, Zelensky is traveling to Berlin to join Chancellor Merz and other leaders for the virtual discussions with Trump before Friday’s summit. The Ukrainian president continues to stress that any decisions affecting Ukraine’s future must involve the Ukrainian people and government. “We will not gift our land to the occupiers,” Zelensky stated firmly. He also pointed out that under Ukraine’s constitution, any changes to national territory would require a public referendum — not backroom negotiations.
Zelensky Insists on Reclaiming Full Sovereignty of Ukraine
Adding to the anxiety in Kyiv, Trump recently remarked that “some swapping of territories” could ultimately benefit both Ukraine and Russia — a statement that has been met with widespread criticism. Zelensky responded by reaffirming that Ukraine would never agree to cede the Donbas region, which includes the eastern oblasts of Luhansk and Donetsk. Since 2014, Russia has occupied portions of this region, and currently controls nearly all of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk. Still, Kyiv retains control of parts of both regions and insists on reclaiming full sovereignty over them.
The broader international community remains watchful of Friday’s Alaska summit. The White House, while distancing itself from Trump’s approach, described the meeting as a “listening exercise,” suggesting that Trump aims to gather insights on the conflict directly from Putin. A spokesperson added that the meeting would provide Trump with a better understanding of potential pathways to ending the war.
Trump himself appeared to moderate expectations earlier this week, calling the summit a “feel-out meeting.” His tone contrasts with his earlier optimism when he first announced the event, expressing confidence that progress could be made. “I think my gut tells me we have a real shot at something,” Trump said, raising hopes among some observers that the meeting could lead to tangible peace talks.
However, Zelensky remains wary. He has repeatedly emphasized that any deal made without Ukraine’s direct input would be invalid. “Any agreement made without Kyiv is a dead decision,” he warned.
As diplomatic efforts continue in the lead-up to the summit, Ukraine and its allies are working diligently to ensure that Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political agency remain central to any international discussions about the future of the conflict.
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