European Leaders Push for Ukraine's Inclusion in Trump-Putin Talks

European leaders are intensifying efforts to coordinate with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025. The diplomatic push comes amid concerns that the bilateral summit could result in a deal that bypasses Ukraine, potentially undermining the interests of the war-affected nation. Multiple European officials have expressed the need to ensure that any negotiations include Kyiv, reinforcing the stance that a lasting peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine’s participation [1][2].

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received strong backing from both NATO and the European Union, with several leaders emphasizing that he must be at the table during any peace discussions. The White House has confirmed that Trump is “considering” an invitation for Zelenskyy to join the meeting, though no official offer has yet been made [3]. This uncertainty has only heightened European anxieties, with leaders warning that Trump and Putin could attempt to finalize terms unilaterally [4].

Behind the scenes, European diplomatic circles have been active in lobbying for a preliminary conversation with Trump before the Alaska summit. Two U.S. officials have confirmed that European leaders aim to present their views on the importance of including Ukraine in the talks, ensuring that any deal aligns with broader European security interests [5]. Reports suggest that these efforts were preceded by intense diplomatic discussions among EU and NATO members, underscoring the significance of the issue [6].

A key concern among European capitals is the possibility that a Trump-Putin agreement could be presented to Ukraine as a fait accompli, without Kyiv having the opportunity to negotiate its own terms. The New York Times highlighted that European leaders are particularly wary of Trump and Putin attempting to “forge an agreement on their own” [7]. This apprehension is reflected in public statements from several EU leaders, who have issued subtle but clear criticisms of the exclusion of Ukraine from the summit [8].

Zelenskyy has echoed these sentiments, stating that there is “no path to peace without Ukraine” and thanking NATO and European allies for their support [9]. Russia and Ukraine, meanwhile, remain firm in their respective demands ahead of the meeting, with neither side showing significant flexibility in the ongoing negotiations [10].

Sources:

[1] Zelenskiy wins EU, NATO backing as he seeks place at ... (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-wins-eu-nato-backing-he-seeks-place-trump-putin-talks-2025-08-10/)

[2] European leaders warn peace talks must include Ukraine ... (https://news.sky.com/story/white-house-considering-inviting-zelenskyy-to-trump-putin-meeting-in-alaska-reports-13409490)

[3] Zelenskyy thanks NATO, European leaders for backing his ... (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/zelenskyy-thanks-nato-european-leaders-backing-his-push-join-trumpe28091putin-summit)

[4] Russia, Ukraine hold fast to their demands ahead of ... (https://abc7.com/post/russia-ukraine-hold-fast-demands-ahead-planned-summit-between-russian-pres-vladimir-putin-us-president-donald-trump/17494440/)

[5] White House open to bringing Ukraine, Russia together for ... (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/10/trump-putin-zelensky-ukraine-peace-talks/)

[6] European leaders seeking to speak with Trump ahead of ... (https://tass.com/world/2000445)

[7] A Sidelined Europe Seeks a Voice as Trump and Putin ... (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/world/europe/europe-ukraine-russia-us.html)

[8] Europe Casts Doubt on Trump-Putin Summit Without Ukraine (https://ca.news.yahoo.com/europe-casts-doubt-trump-putin-151648531.html)