European leaders called U.S. President Donald Trump twice to prepare messaging ahead of a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The calls underscored that international borders cannot be altered by force and that Ukraine must receive solid, credible security guarantees.
Volodymyr Zelensky on his talk with Donald Trump
During the Wednesday afternoon teleconference, President Karol Nawrocki represented Poland, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk had earlier spoken with President Zelensky. Zelensky told Trump that additional sanctions should be imposed on Russia if Moscow refuses an immediate ceasefire. He added that a truce must be the centerpiece of Friday’s Alaska talks between Putin and Trump, and that Putin is not seeking peace.
The ball is on Putin’s side
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reported after 5 p.m. on X that talks with friends and partners are proceeding extremely positively, and that Euro‑Europe is doing everything it can to guide the meeting in the right direction. He expressed hope for peace in Ukraine and urged Trump to succeed in Alaska.
Positive progress with allies
NATO Secretary‑general Mark Rutte praised Trump’s leadership and close cooperation with allies, noting that the ball is now on Putin’s side. He said Europe, the U.S. and NATO have strengthened the joint platform for Ukraine and will continue to cooperate closely, stressing that no one wants peace more than they do.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed commitments to Ukraine, emphasizing that territorial issues can only be negotiated with Ukraine and that no serious talks have yet occurred on territorial changes.
Borders must not be changed by force
The UK Prime Minister’s office confirmed that leaders thanked Trump for urging Putin to negotiate a ceasefire and end the bloodshed. They reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine, stressing that international borders cannot be altered by force and that Ukraine must have solid and credible security guarantees to defend its territorial integrity.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that the conversation reflected aligned views and unity. He warned that the coming days and weeks could be decisive.
Russia can only be deterred by hard actions
President Nawrocki emphasized that only hard‑spoken and decisive actions can restrain the aggressive Russian policy. He said the decisive resolution of the warmust involve Ukrainian authorities and reminded that President Nawrocki will meet Trump at the White House on September 3.
Trump‑Putin Meeting
President Donald Trump will meet on Friday in Alaska with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The White House confirmed Anchorage as the venue, noting that President Zelensky will not attend but will be contacted immediately after the talks to inform him of the results.
