Zelensky and European Leaders Urge Trump Ahead of Putin Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump will engage in a virtual meeting on March 15, 2024, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders prior to his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions aim to communicate the risks involved in compromising Ukraine’s interests for a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

The summit in Alaska, scheduled for March 17, is seen as significant, especially given the contentious backdrop of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump described the upcoming talks with Putin as a “feel-out” meeting intended to explore avenues for concluding the Russo-Ukrainian war. This will mark the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021, following Trump’s prior frustrations regarding Putin’s resistance to U.S. peace initiatives.

Concerns Over Potential Agreements

European officials are apprehensive that the summit might lead to decisions detrimental to Ukraine’s sovereignty. One senior eastern European official emphasized the importance of ensuring that Ukraine’s interests are not overlooked during the discussions. The unpredictability surrounding the summit has prompted fears that Trump and Putin may reach an agreement without Ukraine’s involvement, potentially coercing Kyiv into unfavorable concessions.

Trump’s administration has tempered expectations, describing the meeting in Alaska as a “listening exercise.” A spokesperson for the German government announced that the video conference will commence at 12:00 GMT (14:00 CET), including leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and the European Union, along with NATO’s Secretary General. The conference, hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to create a unified European front in response to the summit.

While acknowledging Trump’s peace efforts, European leaders have stressed that any negotiations involving Ukraine must include Ukrainian representatives. A source familiar with U.S. deliberations indicated that there is a possibility Trump might consider a direct deal with Putin, bypassing both Ukraine and European leaders. Such an approach could provoke backlash from Kyiv and the European Union.

Ukrainian Stance on Territorial Concessions

Recent polling data from Gallup shows that 69% of Ukrainians support a negotiated resolution to the conflict. However, many are unwilling to accept a peace deal that requires significant territorial concessions. President Zelensky has firmly rejected Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine might need to cede land to Russia as part of any peace agreement. He stated that any discussions regarding territorial issues should occur only after a ceasefire is established and security guarantees are secured.

As the situation escalates on the battlefield, Russian forces have intensified their pressure in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka. Zelensky has articulated the strategic necessity of maintaining Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the Donbas region, stating that withdrawing troops would expose the nation to further aggression from Russia.

Looking ahead, the online meeting between Trump and European leaders will be followed by discussions involving a “coalition of the willing,” aimed at developing support plans for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. The series of engagements highlights the complex international dynamics surrounding the conflict and the collective effort to ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty remain at the forefront of negotiations.