In an unprecedented meeting slated for Friday, former President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. While this summit holds critical importance for European leaders, Ukraine is noticeably absent from the guest list, raising alarms over possible territorial concessions that could change the region's borders.
Current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky maintains a firm stance against land concessions, arguing that any agreement to freeze the conflict at current front lines would only bolster Russia's ambitions. "Giving in won't stall the Russian war machine," he asserts, emphasizing that concessions would only expedite its aggression.
EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, notes that Putin aims to enhance his global standing through this meeting while seeking the lifting of sanctions. The uncertainty surrounding Zelensky's potential attendance has European officials on edge. "If Zelensky is included in the discussions, it would signify a success for Ukraine,” Kallas remarked. However, the chances of his invitation remain uncertain, particularly given the one-on-one format preferred by the Kremlin.
The urgency surrounding these talks has disrupted the typical summer lull in Brussels, as Kallas convened a virtual meeting earlier this week with foreign ministers who unanimously called for a ceasefire and new sanctions against Moscow.
The prospect of territory being exchanged raises eyebrows among European leaders. Kallas stated plainly, “An aggressor can't be rewarded for their aggression," emphasizing the broader implications of appeasing Russia.
Despite improved relations with the US and increased defense spending, European leaders feel sidelined in the ongoing peace process. Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski underscored the existential threat the situation poses to European security, indicating that while they appreciate American efforts, Europe intends to assert its own decision-making in the conversation.
In a seemingly strategic move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has facilitated an upcoming virtual meeting involving European leaders and Zelensky, aiming to gain insights into American strategies for ending the current conflict. Nevertheless, skepticism abounds regarding the meeting's ability to produce significant outcomes. According to former UK Foreign Office director Simon McDonald, any decisions made in the upcoming summit represent only the beginning of a long and arduous journey for peace in Ukraine.
