German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the discussion between European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.S. President Donald Trump as “constructive” on Wednesday, just two days before Trump’s upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Merz emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental European and Ukrainian security interests during the meeting in Anchorage, hinting at the possibility of significant decisions being made.
Merz organized a series of virtual meetings to ensure the voices of European and Ukrainian leaders were heard before the summit, which is set to take place at a U.S. military installation. Notably, Zelenskyy and European leaders were excluded from the summit discussions.
During his recent visit to Berlin, Merz pledged support for Ukraine to develop its own long-range missile systems without any restrictions imposed by Western nations.
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions to end the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He highlighted Russia’s attempts to apply pressure across the Ukrainian front, indicating a strong stance against any further territorial concessions.
The Ukrainian president reiterated the need for additional sanctions on Russia, citing the necessity to impact Russia’s war economy significantly. Meanwhile, Trump emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting with Putin, hinting at potential severe consequences for Russia if a resolution is not reached.
European allies have stressed the importance of including Ukraine in peace talks to prevent any favorable outcomes for Moscow. Concerns persist that Putin could secure advantageous concessions without the involvement of European nations, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.
NATO’s push for Ukraine’s membership was disregarded by the U.S. administration, signaling a shift in focus towards broader geostrategic interests. Trump’s administration has sought to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine while exploring business opportunities and military aid arrangements with Russia and European countries.
Recent military developments around the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region have heightened concerns, with Russian forces making strategic advances. Ukrainian forces also reportedly targeted an oil pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region.