Trump Expresses Ceasefire Support in Talks With Zelensky, EU/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Donald Trump “expressed support” for a ceasefire during a virtual meeting with EU leaders. The talks come ahead of Trump’s planned Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. European leaders stressed Ukraine must be part of any negotiations and receive robust security guarantees.
Zelensky-Trump Ceasefire Talks Quick Looks
- Virtual meeting included Trump, Zelensky, and top EU leaders.
- Zelensky: Ceasefire must come before security guarantees.
- Trump reportedly voiced support for ceasefire plan.
- European leaders insist Ukraine must be at the negotiating table.
- Macron: Any territorial talks must include Ukraine.
- NATO chief: “Ball is now in Putin’s court.”
- UK PM: Borders cannot change by force; Ukraine needs credible defense guarantees.
- Alaska summit expected to bring “major decisions” on Ukraine war.
Trump Expresses Ceasefire Support in Talks With Zelensky, EU
Deep Look
BERLIN — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump had “expressed support” for a ceasefire in Ukraine during a high-level virtual meeting with European Union leaders. The call, held just two days before Trump’s scheduled summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, brought together leaders from across Europe, NATO, and the UK to coordinate strategy ahead of the talks.
Zelensky: Ceasefire First, Security Guarantees Next
Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin, Zelensky emphasized that any peace process must begin with a halt to hostilities.
“There should be a ceasefire first, then security guarantees – real security guarantees,” Zelensky said, adding that Trump had expressed his agreement during the call.
Zelensky also made clear that Ukraine’s NATO and European aspirations cannot be subject to Russian veto power.
“Russia cannot have a veto as to European or NATO perspectives against Ukraine,” he said.
He reiterated his uncompromising stance on territorial integrity:
“Any issue which deals with the territorial integrity of Ukraine cannot be discussed just like that, without looking at our constitution and the will of our people. My position is not changing. I have no right to surrender my country’s land.”
European Leaders Push for Ukraine’s Inclusion
Chancellor Merz said Europe’s priority was ensuring the Alaska summit “goes the right way” and produces concrete progress toward peace. He stressed that Ukraine must be present in any substantive negotiations.
“We want a ceasefire at the very beginning, and then a framework agreement must be drawn up,” Merz said, underscoring the need for “robust security guarantees” backed by Western support.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this view, warning that territorial exchanges “must only be discussed with Ukraine.” Macron described the U.S.-Russia talks as “a good thing” but insisted Europe’s voice must be heard in decisions that directly impact the continent’s security.
NATO and UK Back Security Guarantees
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the meeting as unified in its goal of achieving “a just and lasting peace” for Ukraine. “The ball is now in Putin’s court,” he said, expressing appreciation for Trump’s coordination with allies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s position that “international borders must not be changed by force” and that Ukraine must receive “robust and credible security guarantees” as part of any settlement. Downing Street confirmed that European leaders had thanked Trump for his efforts to bring Putin to the table.
Land Swap Proposal Rejected
One contentious point ahead of the Alaska summit has been Trump’s public suggestion that both Ukraine and Russia might need to give up territory to end the war. Both Kyiv and Moscow have rejected the idea.
Zelensky, Macron, and other European leaders made clear that Ukraine will not accept any agreement that compromises its sovereignty or alters its borders without Ukrainian consent. A Russian foreign ministry official also dismissed the idea, signaling no willingness for territorial concessions.
Expectations for the Alaska Summit
The White House has characterized the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting as a “listening exercise,” playing down expectations for a breakthrough peace deal. Still, Merz suggested “major decisions” could be made in Anchorage.
European officials say they are working to “lay the groundwork” to align goals ahead of the meeting, ensuring that any U.S.-Russia discussions do not sideline Ukrainian interests.
Zelensky has said sanctions against Russia should be strengthened if Moscow refuses a ceasefire in Alaska. He accused Putin of “bluffing” about sanctions’ impact and asserted that they are “hitting Russia’s war economy hard.”
“Putin definitely does not want peace; he wants to occupy Ukraine. Putin cannot fool anyone,” Zelensky said.
Shared Objective: Just and Lasting Peace
Despite differences in approach, the virtual meeting underscored a shared transatlantic objective: ending the war without compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the discussions “very good” and said they had “strengthened the common ground for Ukraine.”
As diplomatic preparations continue, the Alaska summit is set to be one of the most closely watched events of Trump’s second term — a high-stakes moment that could shape the trajectory of the war, test U.S.-European unity, and gauge Putin’s willingness to engage in genuine negotiations.
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