European Leaders Urge Trump to Safeguard Ukraine Ahead of Summit

European and Ukrainian leaders are set to engage with US President Donald Trump in a virtual meeting on March 15, 2024, ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions aim to underscore the dangers of compromising Ukraine’s interests in the pursuit of a ceasefire. The video conference will feature President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine, along with leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and the European Union.

The meeting is scheduled for 12:00 PM, according to a spokesperson for the German government. Following the virtual gathering, Trump will host Putin for talks in Alaska on Friday, during which he has described the encounter as a “feel-out” meeting aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The war, initiated by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has led to significant territorial losses for Ukraine, with Russian forces occupying nearly one-fifth of the country.

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for a hasty agreement that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. European officials fear that Trump and Putin may make decisions that could pressure Ukraine into an unfavorable deal. One senior eastern European official emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among European nations, stating, “We are focusing now to ensure that it does not happen—engaging with US partners and staying coordinated and united on the European side.”

The White House has tempered expectations for substantial progress towards a ceasefire, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referring to the upcoming summit as a “listening exercise” for Trump. NATO’s Secretary-General will also participate in the conference, which is hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. European leaders have consistently communicated their support for Trump’s peace efforts while asserting that any negotiations regarding Ukraine must involve Ukrainian participation.

There is a palpable sense of urgency among European officials. They have voiced concerns about the possibility of a deal that could jeopardize both European and Ukrainian security. A source familiar with US discussions indicated that Trump might pursue a direct agreement with Putin, potentially sidelining Ukraine and its European allies.

In a recent Gallup poll, 69 percent of Ukrainians expressed support for a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible. Notably, many respondents specified that they do not want peace at any cost, especially if it entails significant concessions. Ahead of the talks, Zelenskiy reiterated the impossibility of agreeing to a deal that would require Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the eastern Donbas region, which has seen extensive Russian occupation. He stated that territorial issues could only be addressed after a ceasefire is established and security guarantees are provided to Ukraine.

The military situation on the ground remains tense. Russian forces have increased pressure in the eastern region, tightening their control over cities such as Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka. Concurrently, Russian authorities reported an incident involving a small fire at the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, caused by debris from a destroyed drone. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its air defense units intercepted 46 Ukrainian drones overnight, including five that were over Krasnodar. Additionally, an attack targeted the southern region of Volgograd, leading to evacuations of residents from an apartment block.

As the virtual meeting approaches, the stakes remain high for Ukraine and its European allies, who are eager to ensure that any discussions between Trump and Putin do not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or security.