In a recent meeting held in the English countryside, European leaders engaged with US Vice President JD Vance to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The officials conveyed their support for President Trump’s diplomatic initiatives but stressed that any peace negotiations necessitate an immediate ceasefire and Ukraine’s active participation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not included in the upcoming summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, although the White House has not dismissed the possibility of his involvement in subsequent discussions. The summit’s details remain fluid, with the specific location still unannounced. A White House representative indicated that Trump is considering a trilateral meeting involving both leaders, but there is a firm plan for a bilateral meeting requested by Putin.
Since Trump’s announcement of his intent to meet with Putin, there has been a surge in diplomatic efforts to secure backing from US allies. The absence of clarity on Zelenskyy’s role throughout this process has raised concerns, particularly for European leaders who, alongside Zelenskyy, insist on Ukraine’s inclusion in all dialogues regarding the conflict’s resolution.
During the meeting in the UK, European leaders articulated several key demands: the inclusion of Ukraine in negotiations, a ceasefire prior to further discussions, and an equitable exchange of territorial concessions, where any Ukrainian compromises would be met with Russian concessions. A joint statement from leaders of France, Italy, Germany, Poland, the UK, the EU, and Finland expressed support for Trump’s efforts to achieve peace but outlined conditions that differ from Putin’s proposals, which reportedly include significant territorial concessions from Ukraine.
The leaders affirmatively recognised Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to determine its destiny, emphasising that meaningful negotiations can only begin within a ceasefire context. They insisted that any agreements must involve strong security assurances to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
European officials are keen to obtain further information on a ceasefire’s specifics in light of Russia’s recent demands. In a bid to preemptively address these concerns, Vance coordinated a lengthy meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and various European and Ukrainian representatives to share insights regarding US perspectives on the negotiations and Russia’s position, with US envoy Steve Witkoff attending virtually.
Following the discussions, Zelenskyy expressed optimism that the US is receptive to Ukraine’s position, stating, “Our arguments are being heard. The dangers are being taken into account.” This reflects a cautious hope amid ongoing concerns about territorial integrity and the ramifications of the proposed negotiations as they unfold.