Ukraine wins backing for peace talks

European leaders state that Ukraine must be part of any peace talks as a Trump Putin summit approaches.

Ukraine Wins European Backing for Peace Talks Ahead of Trump Putin Summit

A joint statement from leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission says Kyiv must be included in any peace talks with Russia. The statement comes as talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are reported to be on the agenda in Alaska.

Zelenskyy welcomed the stance in a post on X, saying Ukraine would decide its own peace terms and that decisions made without Kyiv would be dead. The discussion at Chevening, a Kent residence used by the UK foreign secretary, produced a counterproposal effort from European officials, though details were not disclosed. Meanwhile, reports of ongoing fighting and drone strikes continue to underscore the fragile ground truth behind any diplomatic push.

The show of unity from European leaders reinforces a long held goal: keep Kyiv central to any settlement. By tying negotiations to a ceasefire and sustained hostilities reduction, Western allies seek to guard Ukraine against fresh concessions. Yet the dynamic is delicate. If negotiations appear to barter away Ukrainian land or security guarantees, domestic support could fray and trust among partners could fray as well.

Chevening signals a willingness to negotiate a path that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty while balancing regional security concerns. The absence of specifics leaves room for interpretation and risk, particularly with the shadow of a potential territorial swap floated by Trump. The coming days will test whether Western diplomacy can translate into concrete terms that Kyiv accepts and allies can defend.

Highlights

Diplomacy can bend but not erase the realities on the ground.