That's what it's about
- Europe presents a peace plan to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia.
- European leaders call for diplomacy and security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Putin wants control of Donetsk and Luhansk.
- Zelensky stresses that Ukraine will not cede any territory.
- Trump and Putin meet in Alaska to discuss possible solutions.
We are convinced that only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support for Ukraine and pressure on the Russian Federation to end its illegal war can be successful, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a joint statement on Sunday.
The Europeans emphasize that meaningful negotiations can only take place within the framework of a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities. Robust and credible security guarantees are also necessary, enabling Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty. The declaration does not contain any explicit statement on prospective NATO membership, nor does it address whether the US should be part of the security guarantees.
Meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska
At the same time, the Europeans continue to assure Ukraine of extensive military and financial assistance. They will continue to work closely with Trump, the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Ukrainian people. The heads of state and government emphasize that a path to peace cannot be decided without Ukraine. Ukraine has the freedom to decide its own destiny, the statement states.
Trump plans to meet with Putin in Alaska on Friday – whether there will also be a meeting between Putin and Zelensky remains to be seen. The Ukrainian has repeatedly called for such a meeting. Trump has also emphasized the need for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv at the highest level, recently saying that they are not a prerequisite for him to meet with Putin himself. The Kremlin chief has been rather reserved regarding a possible three-way summit. While he considers such a meeting possible, the conditions for it are still a long way off, he recently stated.
According to US media reports, Putin demanded, before the upcoming meeting with Trump, that Russia gain full control over the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. This would mean the Ukrainian army surrendering several thousand square kilometers of territory and strategically important cities.
What do you think about the proposal for a territorial exchange in the Ukraine conflict?
A territorial exchange could be a solution to end the conflict. A territorial exchange is not a solution because it violates Ukraine's sovereignty. I am unsure whether a territorial exchange would help. I have no opinion on this issue.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Putin made this proposal during US negotiator Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow on Wednesday. On Friday, the White House and the Kremlin confirmed that a summit between Trump and Putin will take place on August 15 in the northern US state of Alaska.
Peace deal in sight?
According to a report in the New York Times, in return for full control of the Donbass, Putin would, in line with European understanding, agree to a ceasefire that would freeze the current battle lines elsewhere, including in the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, where Russian troops also control parts.
On Friday in Washington, Trump spoke vaguely of an exchange of territories previously held by either Russian or Ukrainian troops, for the benefit of both sides. He didn't provide details. He said:"We're looking at territory that has been contested for three and a half years. Something should also be returned."
Zelensky: Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier
Kyiv strictly rejects territorial cessions. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier, President Zelensky said in a video message from Kyiv on Saturday morning. The answer to Ukraine's territorial issues is contained in Ukraine's Constitution. No one will, and no one can, deviate from it.
