European leaders are set to hold a high-stakes virtual summit on Wednesday to align strategies with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, amid growing concerns over Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
Coordinating Transatlantic Priorities
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has convened leaders from France, the UK, Italy, Poland, Finland, Ukraine, and heads of the EU, NATO, and U.S. leadership for a two-part video conference. The discussions aim to reinforce support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and prevent unilateral concessions during Trump's talks with Putin on Friday.
Ukraine's Stance and Regional Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected withdrawing troops from the Donbas region, a key Russian demand for peace negotiations. EU leaders reiterated on Tuesday that 'international borders must not be changed by force,' emphasizing Ukraine's right to self-determination.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
While Trump downplayed expectations of a breakthrough, calling the Alaska meeting a 'feel-out' session, he hinted at potential territorial adjustments. This has alarmed European allies, who fear compromises undermining Kyiv's position. The Coalition of the Willing—a group of Ukraine's military backers—will also convene separately to discuss security guarantees and pressure tactics against Russia.
What's Next?
With Moscow demanding Ukraine's neutrality and NATO exclusion as peace terms, the summit highlights deepening geopolitical divides. Observers will watch whether transatlantic unity can withstand shifting U.S.-Russia dynamics.
