KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky won strong backing from the EU and NATO on Sunday as he sought a place at the Aug 15 summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Kyiv fears the two leaders could decide war terms without Ukraine’s input.
While the White House said Trump was open to Zelensky attending, current plans are for a bilateral meeting with Putin, who last week rejected direct talks with the Ukrainian leader. Trump suggested a deal could involve “swapping territories,” fuelling Kyiv’s concerns over pressure to cede more land.
Zelensky insists any agreement without Ukraine’s participation would be “stillborn.” European leaders — including those of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy — said a settlement must safeguard Ukraine’s and Europe’s security. NATO chief Mark Rutte said the summit would test Putin’s readiness for peace while affirming Ukraine’s right to decide its own future.
