Trump gives assurances to Europeans

Image: Putin and Trump

According to The Guardian report, In the run-up to a critical meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska,U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to ease European concerns by pledging that no territorial concessions in Ukraine will be made without Kyiv’s full involvement. The summit, set for Friday, is intended as an exploratory session to assess Moscow’s openness to a temporary ceasefire—one that could pave the way for a trilateral negotiation between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.

Europe Seeks Commitments

In a hastily arranged one-hour video conference with leaders from Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission, Trump emphasized that the Alaska meeting was not a platform for substantive agreements but a “feel-out” discussion. French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that Trump gave assurances there would be no discussions on land swaps inside Ukraine without Kyiv’s consent.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that while Europe supports Trump’s success at the summit, Ukrainian and European security interests must remain central. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance was united, adding that the decision now rests with Moscow on whether to pursue a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy’s Presence in Berlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Merz in Berlin for the meeting, underscoring unity and seeking to avert any direct confrontation with Trump ahead of the summit. Zelenskyy outlined the severe battlefield imbalance, with Russian forces holding a 3:1 manpower advantage and a significant edge in artillery. He reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to surrender territory in Donetsk or Luhansk, despite Russia’s demands.

Lingering Doubts

Despite Trump’s reassurances, European diplomats remain wary of his unpredictable negotiating style. Vice President JD Vance has signaled that “painful concessions” may be unavoidable to end a war Ukraine cannot win militarily. Europe also pressed Trump to employ unused economic tools against Russia, though he has resisted imposing tougher sanctions on Moscow’s key trade partners, notably China and India.

Russia’s Response and EU Division

The Kremlin dismissed the European consultations as “politically insignificant,” indicating the Alaska talks would cover the full breadth of U.S.-Russia relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will join the discussions. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—breaking with EU consensus—declared that “Russia has won the war,” diverging from the collective position that Ukraine must determine its own future.

What’s at Stake

The Alaska summit carries both opportunity and risk. A ceasefire agreement without territorial compromises could mark the start of meaningful peace talks. However, any settlement legitimizing Russia’s hold over occupied territories risks fracturing Western unity and jeopardizing Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Key questions remain: Will Russia agree to halt hostilities without gaining territory? What guarantees can prevent renewed aggression? And how will Ukraine’s relationship with NATO and the EU evolve in a post-ceasefire landscape?

The answers will determine whether Alaska becomes a launchpad for peace—or a precedent for redrawing Europe’s security map.