European Leaders Convene to Secure Ukraine's Central Role in Peace Talks
German Chancellor Merz initiated a virtual meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders to ensure Ukraine's inclusion in peace talks, addressing fears of its sidelining by a direct Trump-Putin meeting.
The GuardianLeaders in frantic phone diplomacy with Trump ahead of Putin summit on Ukraine – Europe live
Al JazeeraZelenskyy, European leaders to hold Trump call ahead of Putin summit
ABC NewsZelenskyy to visit Berlin for meetings ahead of Trump-Putin summit
NewsmaxZelenskyy to Visit Berlin for Meetings Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit
Overview
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened a virtual meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders to discuss Ukraine's potential exclusion from future peace negotiations.
The initiative stemmed from concerns that a direct meeting between Trump and Putin might sideline Ukraine, undermining its crucial role in its own future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy actively engaged in numerous phone calls with world leaders, striving to ensure Ukraine's voice remains central to any peace discussions.
European leaders collectively stressed that a lasting path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine's direct involvement and explicit consent.
European leaders are urging Trump to increase pressure on Russia to prioritize Ukraine's interests in any resolution, despite British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's support for peace efforts.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing European and Ukrainian anxieties about being excluded from the Trump-Putin summit. They portray Trump's foreign policy as detrimental to European interests, using strong evaluative language to highlight concerns over his approach to Ukraine, NATO, and Russia. The collective narrative underscores a sense of urgency and fear among allies regarding potential concessions.