Ukraine included in Alaska peace talks

European leaders urge Ukraine to join talks with Russia at the Alaska meeting to end the war

Europe backs Ukraine in Alaska peace talks

European leaders from France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom and the European Commission issued a joint statement urging Ukraine to participate in talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin planned for Alaska. They say the path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine and call for active diplomacy, continued support to Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to end its war, along with robust security guarantees to defend Ukrainian territory.

The push follows a London meeting over the weekend between Vice President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy with Ukrainian and European officials. Trump is due to meet Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss ending the war. Vance described the summit as a potential breakthrough for American diplomacy and said the goal is a negotiated settlement that stops the killing, even if both sides are not fully happy. Zelenskyy has said he supports diplomatic efforts but has not confirmed attendance, insisting Ukraine will not cede land to an occupier.

This move shows how Western diplomacy is trying to balance pressure on Russia with giving Ukraine a seat at the table. It raises questions about how credible a peace process can be if it relies on security guarantees without a prompt on the battlefield. The mix of diplomacy and deterrence is meant to reassure Kyiv while signaling openness to negotiation.

The effort also tests Western unity and the risk of public reaction back home if talks produce concessions that feel like giveaways. The key test will be whether a dignified peace can be achieved that is both fair to Ukraine and sustainable in the face of ongoing aggression. The Alaska talks will reveal how much room there is for diplomacy without eroding Ukrainian sovereignty.

Highlights

Diplomacy remains fragile and the next moves will matter