European Leaders Warn: No Ukraine Peace Deal Without Kyiv at the Table

Political Bureau | UKNepalPress.com |
National Press Corporation (NPC)

European allies have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, warning that any negotiations with Russia must involve Kyiv directly.

In a joint statement late Saturday, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Finland and the European Commission declared: “The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. International borders must not be changed by force.” The renewed show of unity comes as US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. The meeting – the first between sitting US and Russian leaders since June 2021 – is intended to discuss possible terms for ending the war, now in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced strong opposition to any agreement reached without Kyiv’s participation, calling such arrangements “dead decisions” that would undermine peace. On Saturday, the White House said Trump was open to a three-way meeting with both Putin and Zelensky, but for now only a bilateral session with Putin is planned, at Moscow’s request. Trump has hinted at potential “territory swaps” as part of a deal, prompting a sharp rebuke from Kyiv. Zelensky warned that rewarding Russian aggression would only embolden Moscow to resume hostilities. European officials share this concern, with reports suggesting Washington has explored a proposal allowing Russia to retain Crimea and control of the entire Donbas region – an idea firmly rejected by Ukraine and its European partners.

Instead, Ukraine and several European nations have presented an alternative framework to US officials, according to the Wall Street Journal. Their plan allows territorial changes only if both sides withdraw from specific areas, ensuring reciprocity rather than unilateral concessions. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that Europe must play an integral role in any settlement, given its direct security stake. “Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution,” he posted on X. Since the start of the conflict, European governments have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and delivered military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

US Vice-President JD Vance met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and senior Ukrainian officials in London on Saturday to discuss the situation. Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, reiterated that a durable peace is only possible with Ukraine at the table, adding: “A ceasefire is necessary – but the frontline is not a border.” Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and declared the annexation of four more Ukrainian regions in 2022 – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – despite not having full control over them. The war has since settled into a grinding stalemate, with Russia holding significant territory in the east while Ukrainian forces struggle to reclaim ground.

The Alaska summit will take place in a location steeped in historical symbolism: the territory was purchased by the US from Russia in 1867. Its outcome may shape not only Ukraine’s future but also the security landscape of Europe.