European Leaders Stress Ukraine's Role in Peace Talks Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed appreciation for a recent joint statement from European allies affirming that the future of peace in Ukraine must include its participation, particularly in light of a forthcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This joint statement, released late Saturday, featured leaders from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing that Kyiv's involvement is essential in any discussions regarding peace with Russia. As preparations intensify for the Trump-Putin meeting scheduled in Alaska this Friday, a White House official indicated that Trump is amenable to including Zelenskyy in these discussions, although the summit is currently configured as a bilateral affair. Following a series of violent incidents linked to the ongoing conflict, Russia reported the death of one individual and damage to several properties due to a Ukrainian drone strike in its southern Saratov region. Simultaneously, in a tragic event attributed to Russian forces, two people lost their lives and 16 others were injured when a drone attacked a minibus in Kherson, Ukraine. Additional casualties were reported in the Zaporizhzhia region, further escalating hostilities between the two nations. The European leaders’ statement acknowledged Trump’s attempts to facilitate an end to the war while underscoring that any negotiations should occur in the context of a ceasefire and reduced hostilities. It asserted that only through a combination of proactive diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to cease its illegal aggression can a lasting resolution be achieved. In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy highlighted the need for a fair conclusion to the conflict, expressing gratitude to those standing by Ukraine in its quest for peace, which he asserted is crucial for the broader security interests of European nations. He reiterated the perspective that decisions made without Ukraine's input are bound to fail. The urgency for peace negotiations was further reflected during a recent meeting held at Chevening, the official country residence of the British foreign secretary, where British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance engaged with Ukrainian and European officials in an effort to propel the peace process forward. Lammy affirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine as the search for a just and enduring peace continues. Should the Trump-Putin summit proceed, it will mark the first encounter between a sitting U.S. president and Putin since Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the last preceding meeting occurring between Putin and former President Joe Biden in June 2021. While specific details regarding the potential outcomes of the summit remain undisclosed, Trump has suggested that resolving the conflict may involve some territorial concessions beneficial to both sides. However, Zelenskyy has been adamant that Ukrainians will not surrender their land to occupiers. A European official indicated that representatives at the Chevening meeting proposed a counteroffer, although specifics were withheld. Reports from the Wall Street Journal detailed that this counterproposal included stipulations for a ceasefire to precede any further developments, accompanied by reciprocal territory exchanges and concrete security assurances. Although it remains uncertain what agreements, if any, were reached during the Chevening discussions, Zelenskyy characterized the dialogue as constructive, stressing that the foundations of peace for Ukraine must be established collaboratively and inclusively with Ukrainian perspectives at the forefront. "All our arguments were heard," he remarked in his address to the nation. "The path to peace for Ukraine should be determined together, and only together with Ukraine. This is a key principle." Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2