European leaders expressed doubt that forthcoming peace discussions in Alaska, set for next week, would yield results if Ukraine is not included.
A statement released Saturday, bearing the signatures of the leaders of France, Italy, the U.K., Germany, Poland, and Finland, asserted, “The route to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined in Ukraine’s absence.”
It further stated, “We uphold our commitment to the principle that international boundaries must not be altered through coercion. The existing line of contact ought to serve as the initial basis for discussions.”
This public display of backing for Kyiv followed Trump’s White House announcement on Friday that he intended to convene a summit with his Russian counterpart to deliberate a possible conclusion to the conflict in Ukraine. The discussions in Alaska will mark the first meeting between U.S. and Russian leaders since 2021.
Trump drew criticism from allies due to Ukraine’s exclusion from the meeting and his pre-summit declaration that Kyiv would be required to cede territory as part of a peace agreement.
“We will recover some, and some will be exchanged,” Trump commented, adding, “There will be territorial exchanges for the mutual benefit of both sides.”
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly condemned the notion of relinquishing territory to Russia in a video message, pledging that Ukraine would not “cede its land to the occupier” and cautioning that peace negotiations without Kyiv’s participation would “achieve nothing.”
The declaration issued by European leaders supported Zelensky’s stance on both matters.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to European allies via a post on X, stating: “The conflict’s conclusion must be equitable, and I extend my thanks to all who support Ukraine and its citizens.”
Reports indicate Russia is insisting Ukraine surrender the Donbas region and Crimea in exchange for an end to hostilities. Russia previously annexed Crimea—an action unrecognized globally—and its military currently controls the majority of the Donbas and additional areas of eastern Ukraine.
Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, informed CNN on Sunday that “No substantial portions or segments will simply be handed over without being contested or secured on the battlefield,” offering no further details.
Three U.S. officials disclosed that the White House is contemplating an invitation for Zelensky to attend the summit, although no final determinations have been made. The White House did not provide an immediate response to TIME’s inquiry for comment.
As he declared the summit at the White House on Friday, Trump asserted the conflict “could be resolved very swiftly,” doing so while under pressure to conclude a peace agreement or incur potential financial repercussions.
European leaders have championed Ukraine, denouncing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and pledging ongoing military and financial aid to Kyiv as required. Officials have additionally voiced a wider desire for European involvement in peace talks, citing regional security concerns.
The statement further declared, “We emphasize our steadfast dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. As Europeans, we are unified and resolved to collectively advance our interests. Furthermore, we will maintain close cooperation with President Trump and the United States of America, as well as with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian populace, to achieve a peace in Ukraine that safeguards our crucial security interests.”
To date, Trump has not publicly commented on Zelensky’s position regarding the forthcoming Alaska meeting. However, the President previously criticized Zelensky for inflexibility concerning a ceasefire agreement and asserted he is “not prepared for peace.”
The Kremlin’s demands, however, go beyond territorial aspirations. As part of any potential accord, Putin has reportedly insisted that Ukraine abandon its ambition to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a European and North American alliance where the United States is a founding participant. Russia presented a comparable demand in June of last year during those peace negotiations.
Reuters reported that the Kremlin also sought the removal of Western sanctions, safeguards for Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine, and a resolution to release the $300 billion in Russian state assets presently frozen in Europe.
