European leaders insist Ukraine must be included in peace talks with Russia

European leaders and allies have united in calling for Ukraine to be part of any negotiations with Russia, warning that excluding Kyiv would undermine any chance of lasting peace.

In a joint statement ahead of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland and the European Commission declared that “international borders must not be changed by force” and that Ukraine must have the freedom to decide its own future. They also pledged to continue their diplomatic, military, and financial support, reflecting the ongoing commitments outlined in the UK Government’s Ukraine support strategy.

Trump has indicated he is open to a trilateral meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but for now the Alaska summit remains a meeting between the US and Russia at Moscow’s request. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested there “will be some swapping of territories” to secure an agreement – a comment that prompted a strong response from Zelensky.

“We will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “Any decisions without Ukraine are decisions against peace.” He accused Moscow of still pushing the idea of exchanging Ukrainian territory in ways that would leave Russia in a stronger position to resume the war.

Reports from US media suggest the White House is trying to persuade European governments to accept a deal under which Russia would keep Crimea and take full control of the Donbas region. European leaders have resisted such proposals, insisting on a “diplomatic solution” that safeguards both Ukraine and Europe’s wider security.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned in a post on X that Europe’s own security is at stake and that “Europeans will also necessarily be part of the solution.” On Sunday, Zelensky thanked European leaders for their stance, saying, “The end of the war must be fair… which is defending the vital security interests of our European nations.”

Europe has maintained a tough policy towards Moscow, including sanctions and military aid for Ukraine. During a call with Macron, Zelensky stressed the need to prevent Russia from “deceiving anyone again,” adding, “We all need a genuine end to the war and reliable security foundations for Ukraine and other European nations.”

US Vice-President JD Vance visited the UK on Saturday, holding talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and two of Zelensky’s senior aides. Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, said afterwards: “A reliable, lasting peace is only possible with Ukraine at the negotiating table. A ceasefire is necessary, but the frontline is not a border.”

The Alaska summit will be the first meeting between a sitting US and Russian president since Joe Biden and Putin met in Geneva in 2021, nine months before Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. Russia continues to occupy large areas of eastern Ukraine after claiming the annexation of four regions in 2022, while Ukrainian counter-offensives have yet to push Russian forces back significantly.

In a similar international show of unity last year, UK leaders joined other European nations to reaffirm their long-term military and humanitarian commitments to Ukraine’s defence. Earlier this month, Parliament also debated further sanctions against Russia in response to ongoing attacks, highlighting the UK’s sustained role in supporting Kyiv.

[Image Credit | UK Government Handout]

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