1. European Leaders Call for Ukraine Inclusion and Security Guarantees
European heads of state (France, Germany, UK, Poland, Finland) issued a statement emphasizing that a peace process should protect Ukrainian and European security. The statement emphasized that peace talks must take place under a cease-fire, including some reciprocal discussions about territory which would only be pursued if Ukraine is part of the talks. They stated bluntly that “international borders cannot be changed by force.” ReutersThe Guardian
2. Trump Open to Trilateral Summit
While current planning is only for a bilateral meeting based on requests from Putin, President Trump stated he would be open to President Zelenskyy’s inclusion for a trilateral summit in Alaska. The Economic TimesReuters
3. Zelenskyy will not entertain territorial concessions
President Zelenskyy clearly stated he would entertain no suggestions that involve giving up land. He described decisions made outside of Ukraine as “dead solutions” and will not relinquish land. CBS NyheterAl Jazeera
What It All Means
Strong European resistance signifies that Western allies still are all-in on trying to defend the sovereignty of Ukraine, regardless of current diplomatic developments.
Proposing that Zelenskyy attend the Alaska summit may help to mollify Ukrainian concerns of being sidelined.
Zelenskyy’s steadfastness adds a heightened challenge to the balancing act of diplomacy he insists on the inclusion of Ukraine’s governance and territorial integrity in any agreements reached.
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