European leaders, alongside Ukraine's President Zelensky, emphasize Ukraine's involvement in peace talks with Russia. President Trump supports a ceasefire and insists on Ukraine's presence at the negotiation table. Key demands include no recognition of Russian-occupied territories and continued European support for Ukraine's sovereignty. A potential summit involving Zelensky, Putin, and Trump could take place in a neutral European country.
European Leaders Set Demands Ahead of Crucial Putin Meeting
European Leaders Set Demands Ahead of Crucial Putin Meeting
Ukraine must have a seat at the table in negotiations about the war. This is President Volodymyr Zelensky's message after meeting with several EU leaders. He also sent a message to Trump ahead of the meeting with the Russian leader. "Putin is bluffing," he says.
On Friday afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump held a digital meeting with several European leaders and Ukraine's President Zelensky—prior to the important summit between Trump and Putin scheduled for later that Friday.
After the meeting, several European leaders spoke to the press about what was discussed. France's President Emmanuel Macron is one of them.
According to Macron, Trump agreed that no Ukrainian territories that Russia wants to take over should be negotiated without Ukraine being at the negotiation table.
He also announced that Trump demands the fighting must stop.
"Trump wants to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine," says Macron.
Five Demands for Peace Negotiations
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz sets out five clear conditions from the European leaders ahead of the peace talks:
- Ukraine must be included in all future meetings with Putin
- A ceasefire must be established before any negotiations begin
- Recognizing Russian-occupied territory is not an option
- Ukrainian forces must be allowed to defend their country's sovereignty, with European support
- Broader negotiations must be part of a transatlantic strategy, based on supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia
Merz states that during the conversation, it became clear that Trump and the European leaders "largely share" viewpoints and that it was a "very good and constructive conversation."
He also concludes with an optimistic message:
"There is hope that something is moving. There is hope that there can be peace in Ukraine," he says.
Zelensky: "Putin is Bluffing"
Ukraine's President Zelensky also speaks after the meeting.
"What concerns Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine," he says.
Zelensky further states that he told Trump and European leaders that "Putin is bluffing," by trying to "push along the entire front."
"Putin is also bluffing by saying he doesn't care about the sanctions and that they don't work. In reality, the sanctions are very effective, and they harm the Russian military economy," he says.
He also shares that during the meeting, he said that Putin is not seeking peace but "wants to occupy our country."
He calls for additional sanctions from the U.S. and Europe, stating that it is crucial to "stop Putin's war."
"We hope that the central theme will be a ceasefire," says Zelensky regarding the meeting between Trump and Putin.
"The U.S. President has said this several times."
Meanwhile, if the Putin meeting on Friday
New Meeting – Kristersson Participates
From 4 PM, after the larger meeting between Europe and the U.S., a meeting for the "Coalition of the Willing"—a coalition of countries collaborating on support for Ukraine—will be held.
At that meeting, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will participate.
Ukraine and Russia Could Meet in a European Country
A future summit where Zelensky and Putin meet, along with Trump, could be held in Europe. This is according to France's President Macron.
He says he hopes such a summit could be held in Europe, "in a neutral country that is acceptable to all parties," writes The Guardian.