European leaders have reaffirmed their united stance in support of Ukraine, making it clear that any peace talks with Russia must involve Kyiv directly.
The leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission issued a joint statement ahead of a planned meeting between the US and Russia in Alaska. While the US has suggested the possibility of a three-way discussion including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for now, the summit remains a meeting between the US and Russia alone.
President Zelensky has warned that any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation would be “dead decisions,” firmly rejecting suggestions of trading territory as part of a peace deal. He stressed that such concessions would only strengthen Russia’s position to restart the conflict.
Reports suggest there are proposals under consideration that would allow Russia to retain control over Crimea and the entire Donbas region. European leaders have rejected any plan that changes international borders by force, pledging continued diplomatic, military, and financial support for Ukraine.
They emphasized that the war’s end must be fair and that Europe’s own security depends on a just resolution. Zelensky expressed gratitude for this backing, underscoring the need for an outcome that prevents future aggression and provides reliable security for both Ukraine and Europe.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. In the UK, the US Vice-President met with British officials and Zelensky’s senior aides to discuss ways to ensure Ukraine’s inclusion in the talks. Ukrainian representatives stressed that a lasting peace is only possible with Kyiv at the negotiating table, reminding all parties that a ceasefire line is not the same as a recognized border.
The Alaska summit will mark the first meeting between a sitting US president and Russia’s leader since mid-2021. Since then, Russia has launched its full-scale invasion, annexed four Ukrainian regions, and occupied large areas in the east—though without securing a decisive victory. Ukrainian counteroffensives have also struggled to reclaim significant territory.
The last time Zelensky and Putin met face-to-face was in 2019. Since then, the gulf between their positions has only widened, leaving the road to peace long and uncertain.