Europe Backs Ukraine as Trump-Putin Talks Loom

European leaders rallied behind Ukraine, emphasizing that peace in the war-torn nation cannot be achieved without Kyiv’s involvement, ahead of a pivotal meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. The joint statement, signed by leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland, the UK, and the European Union president, stressed the need for a “just and lasting peace” with “robust and credible” security guarantees for Ukraine. They underscored that “the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine” and that “international borders must not be changed by force.”

The statement followed a meeting in the UK between US Vice President JD Vance, European officials, and Ukrainian representatives, addressing Trump’s push for a ceasefire. Concerns arose after Trump suggested a peace deal might involve “swapping territories,” raising fears that Ukraine could face pressure to cede land. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanking European allies on X, firmly rejected giving up territory, stating, “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier.” A White House official, speaking anonymously, told the Associated Press that Trump remains open to a trilateral summit with Zelenskyy, though the Alaska meeting is currently bilateral at Putin’s request.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” expressed confidence in Trump’s approach but emphasized the need for strong security guarantees to deter Russia. Despite a monthlong US-led truce push, the Kremlin demands Ukraine cede annexed territories and abandon NATO aspirations, conditions Kyiv rejects. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO’s Mark Rutte, urged tougher sanctions on Russia to pressure Putin, with Merz noting, “Putin only acts under pressure,” in an ARD interview.

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