Zelensky could still attend Trump-Putin meeting, but rest of Europe is shut out
Every European leader wants to attend this bilateral conference.
And with good cause. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on Friday to talk about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
There will probably be discussions about territorial concessions, and Europeâincluding Ukraineâdoes not want its boundaries to be changed by force.
However, as of right now, neither the invading nation nor the continent it is located on has received any invitations.
Former UK Foreign Office head Lord Simon McDonald cautions, “Be prepared for some pretty outrageous Russian demands.”
Adding, “It will be theatrical,” “Putin is going to ask for things that nobody else would concede – with the possible exception of Donald Trump.”
According to President Zelensky, he will not consent to the surrender of any territory or even to the suspension of hostilities along the existing front lines.
He contends that a Russian war machine that has been engaged in full-scale combat for more than three and a half years will not be deterred. He says concessions would only make it go more quickly.
The head of the EU’s foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, tells me, “It’s obvious Putin wants a picture with the most powerful people on Earth, which is President Trump, and he wants sanctions to be postponed, which he’ll probably get.”
“The question is, what is success for the US in the meeting?” she inquires. “If President Zelensky is there, it would be a clear success.”
However, how would the Kremlin’s plans be contested if the leader of Ukraine is not present at the Alaskan table?
The US president stated, “He could go,” in reference to that prospect. Europe and Kyiv, however, want it to move from “maybe” to “yes”
The one-on-one approach, which was a Kremlin suggestion that the White House accepted, is making them more anxious.
August usually sees a frenzy of political activity in Brussels’ European Quarter, but recent US-Russia negotiations have changed everything.
At a virtual gathering of foreign ministers held by Kallas on Monday, they demanded an absolute ceasefire prior to any agreement. There were also further sanctions declared for Moscow.
I questioned Kallas about her interpretation of Donald Trump’s suggestion that some land be exchanged.
She says, “We have to ask President Trump.” However, it is evident that an aggressor cannot receive an award for their hostility. Otherwise, hostility will only increase globally since it is profitable.
Europe is attempting to support this American-led peace effort and unite around Ukraine.
Since Trump returned to office at the beginning of the year, the door to Europe has stayed firmly closed, regardless of whether Zelensky makes the trip.
Keith Kellogg, his envoy to Ukraine at the time, declared that the bloc would not participate in any peace negotiations. Diplomatic efforts by the Europeans have failed to alter this stance.
Their defense budget has increased significantly, which is one reason why their relationship with the US has improved. However, Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, feels they require a more prominent position.
“This is a matter of existential European security interest,” he says.
“While we value Trump’s efforts, we will also make our own decisions in Europe.”
“A simple ceasefire would not resolve the problem.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arranged for Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and other European leaders to meet virtually this Wednesday.
Lord McDonald, the former head of the UK Foreign Office, would be shocked to see a last-minute European invitation for Friday, but they hope to be briefed on America’s plan to end Russia’s incursion.
“The end will be as protracted as the war has been long,” he stated.
“The meeting is a milestone, but it doesn’t actually mean it will lead anywhere.”
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