Zelensky Joins EU Leaders in Call with Trump Ahead of Summit with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will join European leaders in an online call with US President Donald Trump to press for stronger support for Ukraine ahead of Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The leaders will urge that no decisions be made without Ukraine’s consent, especially regarding any forced changes to its borders. Trump has suggested that peace talks could involve “some swapping of territories,” a proposal critics say could reward Russia’s aggression.

Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has made gains in the east, including a recent advance near Dobropillia. Zelensky warned that ceding territory in the Donbas could pave the way for further Russian attacks and distort perceptions of the battlefield before the Putin-Trump meeting.

Russia currently occupies almost all of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk, holding nearly 20% of Ukrainian land. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would reject any deal that leaves the Donbas under Russian control, citing the need for a referendum under Ukraine’s constitution to alter national territory.

The White House has described the Alaska summit as a “listening exercise,” suggesting Trump and Putin meeting in person will inform US strategy to end the war. Trump has called the talks a “feel-out meeting” but previously expressed optimism about concrete steps toward peace.

Ukraine and EU leaders emphasize that peace negotiations must fully involve Kyiv and reject any forced territorial concessions as Russia continues its military advances.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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