Ahead of summit, Trump says both Ukraine and Russia will need to cede territory
US president plays down expectations for summit deal with Putin, calling it a ‘feel-out meeting’
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Kyiv and Moscow will both have to cede land to end the war in Ukraine and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week will instantly show whether the Kremlin leader was willing to make a deal.
European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plan to speak with Trump ahead of his summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday, amid fears Washington may dictate unfavourable peace terms to Ukraine.
Trump has hardened his stance towards Moscow by agreeing to allow additional US weapons to reach Ukraine and threatening tariffs against buyers of Russian oil, but fears have persisted in Europe that he might agree to a deal that forces big concessions from Kyiv.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that “transatlantic unity, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia” were needed to end the war and “prevent future Russian aggression in Europe”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on Monday and they welcomed diplomatic efforts “to bring peace and agreed that this must be built with Ukraine - not imposed upon it,” according to a readout from Downing Street.