In a high-stakes week for global diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump will hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and top European leaders on Wednesday, just two days before his much-anticipated summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The meeting is aimed at ensuring Ukraine’s interests remain protected amid growing fears in Europe that Washington and Moscow could strike a deal that disadvantages Kyiv.
Why This Meeting Matters
The upcoming Alaska summit marks the first U.S.-Russia leaders’ meeting since 2021 and comes as the war in Ukraine enters a critical phase. Trump, who recently shifted gears on his Russia policy after weeks of frustration with Putin, has described the summit as a “feel-out” discussion to explore options for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
However, Trump has openly suggested that both Kyiv and Moscow may need to cede territory to achieve peace — a stance that has fueled anxiety among European allies. Currently, Russian forces control nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including large parts of the eastern Donbas region.
European Concerns Over a ‘Bad Deal’
European leaders fear the Alaska talks could lead to far-reaching concessions or even pressure on Ukraine to accept a ceasefire on unfavorable terms.
“We are working to ensure this does not happen,” said one senior Eastern European official, stressing the importance of coordination and unity among U.S. allies.
While European governments publicly welcome Trump’s peace initiative, they are also making it clear: no deal about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine.
Multiple European officials told Reuters there is a real risk of an agreement that could undermine European security and Ukraine’s sovereignty. They stressed that maintaining a united European front will be crucial if such a scenario unfolds.
The Leaders Involved
Wednesday’s video conference will bring together:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine)
- Leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Finland, and Poland
- European Union officials
- NATO Secretary General
The meeting will be hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and is scheduled for 1300 GMT (1500 CET).
Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to speak with European leaders in a separate online session, followed by another virtual gathering of the “coalition of the willing”, a group preparing post-ceasefire support for Ukraine.
Kyiv’s Red Lines
Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not agree to withdraw troops from the Donbas region, which serves as a key defensive buffer against potential future Russian offensives.
“Territorial discussions can only happen after a ceasefire and with solid security guarantees in place,” Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday.
Pressure on the Battlefield
On the ground, Russian forces have intensified operations in eastern Ukraine, tightening control over Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka. These advances add urgency to diplomatic efforts but also raise fears that battlefield realities could dictate peace terms.
A recent Gallup poll shows 69% of Ukrainians favor ending the war through negotiations as soon as possible, but not at the expense of major territorial losses.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s Alaska meeting with Putin may be framed as a “listening exercise,” but the stakes are enormous. A deal struck without Kyiv’s direct involvement could alter the balance of power in Eastern Europe for years to come.
With both sides testing diplomatic waters and the battlefield situation evolving, the world will be watching closely to see if this week marks the beginning of a genuine peace process — or a turning point toward deeper divisions.
