Zelenskiy in Berlin for Talks with Trump and European Leaders Before Putin Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to Berlin on Wednesday for a virtual meeting hosted by Germany with Donald Trump, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and several European leaders. The conference, involving leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and the European Union, comes just two days before Trump’s first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska since 2021.

European leaders fear that the summit could result in decisions made without Ukraine’s consent, potentially forcing Kyiv into territorial concessions. Trump has previously suggested that a deal could involve “swapping of territories,” sparking concern in Kyiv and across Europe. While Trump’s administration described the Alaska meeting as a “listening exercise,” European officials remain wary. They stress that any agreement must include Ukraine’s direct participation.

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Zelenskiy met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz before the video conference, aiming to ensure that European unity is maintained ahead of the U.S.-Russia talks. The meeting also included discussions on strengthening Ukraine’s position both politically and militarily. The “coalition of the willing” group, which focuses on supporting Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached, is also expected to meet after the call with Trump.

The timing of these talks is crucial, as Ukraine faces mounting military pressure on the battlefield. Russian forces have intensified their assaults in the eastern Donbas region, particularly around Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka. Zelenskiy has made it clear that Ukraine cannot accept any deal requiring withdrawal from Donbas, warning that such a move would dismantle its defensive lines and leave it vulnerable to future Russian advances.

While a Gallup poll shows that 69% of Ukrainians want the war to end through negotiations, public opinion strongly opposes peace terms that involve major territorial losses. Zelenskiy has insisted that territorial issues can only be discussed after a ceasefire and once Ukraine has received firm security guarantees.

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Trump’s decision to meet Putin in Alaska was an abrupt shift after weeks of frustration with Moscow’s resistance to U.S. peace proposals. His envoy recently reported “great progress” in Moscow, but European officials fear this could lead to an agreement that compromises both Ukraine’s and Europe’s security interests.

With tensions rising and the stakes high, the Berlin meeting represents a united European push to influence the U.S.-Russia talks and prevent any outcome that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty or long-term stability.