🌐 The stage is set: European leaders are gathering online this Wednesday for a virtual summit to back Ukraine just days before President Trump meets President Putin in Alaska. Think of it as a pre-game huddle for global diplomacy! 🤝
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz kicked things off by inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, plus the heads of France, the UK, Finland, Italy, Poland, the European Commission and Council, and NATO's secretary-general. Next up: a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Why the buzz? Europe worries Trump might cut a deal with Putin that sidelines Kyiv. EU leaders stressed that Ukraine has "the inherent right to choose its own destiny" and that "international borders must not be changed by force." 🕊️
Zelenskyy made it clear he won't pull troops out of the Donbas region, which Russia claims. Meanwhile, Merz's office said the summit will explore ways to keep pressure on Russia and lay the groundwork for any future peace talks – especially around territorial claims and security.
Later, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Merz will huddle again as part of the "Coalition of the Willing" military backers. On the other side, Trump called his meeting with Putin a "feel-out" session but hinted at possible land swaps down the line. ⚔️
Russia's demands for peace include Ukraine pulling back forces from occupied regions, pledging neutrality, rejecting U.S. and EU military support, and staying out of NATO. With stakes this high, all eyes are on Alaska – and on that game-changing online summit first. 👀
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European leaders to hold Ukraine online summit before Trump-Putin meet
cgtn.com
