European leaders expressed cautious optimism after a conference call with former U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they will discuss Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Trump reportedly assured leaders that Ukraine would be involved in territorial decisions and emphasized security guarantees, easing fears of unilateral concessions to Russia.
Key European leaders—including Germany’s Friedrich Merz, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and the UK’s Keir Starmer—joined the call alongside NATO’s Mark Rutte and EU’s Ursula von der Leyen. Their intervention aimed to safeguard Ukraine’s interests amid concerns that Trump might accept Russia’s demand for control over Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, which constitute 18% of Ukraine’s territory.
The summit, set for August 15 at Alaska’s Elmendorf Air Force Base, will focus on ending the 11-year conflict. Putin insists Ukraine cede the occupied regions and abandon NATO ambitions, conditions Kyiv and Europe reject as non-viable. Trump warned Russia faces ‘very severe consequences’ if hostilities continue but acknowledged the challenge of enforcing peace.
Maps highlighted in the analysis reveal critical flashpoints: Donetsk (58% Russian-controlled), Luhansk (nearly fully occupied), Zaporizhzhia (72% under Russia), and Kherson (split by the Dnipro River). Territorial concessions would legitimize Russia’s 2022 invasion and risk future aggression, Zelensky argues.
European leaders secured Trump’s commitment to include Kyiv in follow-up talks and prioritize security guarantees. The UK and France are advancing a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to deter future Russian incursions, though troop deployment details remain undefined.
Immediate next steps include Zelensky’s meeting with Starmer in London on August 14 and an emergency EU summit on August 17. Trump suggested a potential Putin-Zelensky meeting if progress occurs. Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing offensive in Donetsk underscores the urgency of diplomatic outcomes.
The summit’s results could redefine Ukraine’s borders and Europe’s security architecture. Western officials worry a ceasefire freezing current frontlines would cement Russian gains, while Ukraine stresses that lasting peace requires retaking occupied land.