What’s at Stake in the Upcoming Trump-Putin Meeting on Ukraine?

European Unity for Ukraine Ahead of Key Meeting

Kyiv: European nations have come together in support of Ukraine, emphasizing that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must involve Kyiv. This solidarity comes just before a significant meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Trump has indicated that the upcoming meeting, scheduled for next Friday, will aim to address the war that has persisted for four years.

In a message posted on X, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards European allies, stating, “The end of the war must be fair, and I am thankful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people.”

Concerns Surrounding the Trump-Putin Meeting

The statement from European leaders on Saturday followed the White House's confirmation that Trump is open to a one-on-one meeting with Putin, a request that Russia has long sought. Trump has also suggested that a peace agreement might involve some territorial exchanges, raising concerns that Ukraine could be pressured into conceding land or compromising its sovereignty.

A White House official, who requested anonymity, revealed that Trump is still considering a trilateral summit with both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, but for now, he will proceed with the bilateral meeting that Putin requested.

In a Fox News interview aired on Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance mentioned that Trump had secured Putin's agreement to meet with Zelenskyy, and it is now just a matter of scheduling. The Kremlin has previously stated that a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy should only occur when their delegations are close to an agreement. A request for clarification from the White House has not yet been answered.

Trump has previously stated he would meet with Putin regardless of whether the Russian leader agrees to meet with Zelenskyy.

This upcoming Trump-Putin meeting could be crucial in a conflict that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in significant casualties. However, there is no assurance that it will lead to a cessation of hostilities, as Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on their peace terms.

Calls for a Sustainable Peace Agreement

The statement from European leaders, which included the president of the European Union and leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the UK, emphasized the necessity for a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine, along with “robust and credible” security assurances.

“Ukraine has the freedom to determine its own future. Meaningful negotiations can only occur in the context of a ceasefire or reduced hostilities,” the statement asserted.

The European leaders reiterated that the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine's involvement, affirming their commitment to the principle that international borders should not be altered through force.

This statement followed a meeting between Vance and senior European and Ukrainian officials at the British Foreign Secretary's residence over the weekend to discuss strategies for ending the war.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, stated on NBC's “Meet the Press” that a favorable agreement would prevent an empowered Russia and other aggressors from attempting to redraw borders through force.

Despite being a Trump ally and a proponent of a tough stance on Russia, Graham acknowledged that “you can’t end a war without dialogue.”

He expressed hope that Zelenskyy would be included in the discussions, asserting confidence that Trump would approach the meeting with Putin from a position of strength, prioritizing European and Ukrainian interests to conclude the war honorably.

Graham noted that while Ukraine may not be able to expel every Russian soldier, the West should provide Kyiv with strong security guarantees, maintain some forces as deterrents, and continue supplying arms to ensure that Russia faces a formidable military presence in Europe.

Challenges in Achieving a Truce

A month-long US-led initiative to secure a truce in Ukraine has yet to yield results, with Kyiv expressing willingness in principle while the Kremlin demands terms more favorable to its interests.

Trump has also issued a warning to impose additional sanctions on Russia and implement secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil if the Kremlin does not move towards a resolution. The deadline for this ultimatum was Friday, and the White House has not responded to inquiries regarding potential sanctions.

Earlier this week, the Kremlin reiterated its demands for Ukraine to relinquish territory, abandon its NATO aspirations, and accept military limitations in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian forces from the remainder of the country. Kyiv finds particularly troubling Moscow's insistence on ceding parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, which the Kremlin claims to have annexed without full military control.

Zelenskyy Refuses to Cede Territory

Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that Ukraine “will not reward Russia for its actions” and that “Ukrainians will not surrender their land to the occupier.”

Ukrainian officials have privately indicated that Kyiv might consider a peace agreement that acknowledges its inability to reclaim lost territories through military means. However, Zelenskyy firmly maintained that formally ceding land is not an option.

Galeotti noted that any agreement involving Ukraine giving up territory would be “agonizing” and politically perilous for Zelenskyy.

Pushing for Stricter Sanctions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Sunday that European leaders are “intensively preparing” for the Alaska summit, expressing hope that Zelenskyy will receive an invitation.

Merz told Germany's public broadcaster ARD that he has been advocating for Washington to strengthen sanctions against Russia, asserting that “Putin only acts under pressure.”

Mikhail Kasyanov, Putin's first prime minister and later a political adversary, also stated on the BBC that the Kremlin would be more inclined to negotiate seriously and make concessions when sanctions have further weakened Russia's economy.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended Washington for facilitating increased military support to Ukraine and imposing secondary sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil, stating that Trump “is clearly applying pressure on Putin.”

“Next Friday will be significant as it will test Putin's seriousness about ending this devastating war,” Rutte remarked in an interview with ABC's “This Week.”