Trump to Meet Zelenskyy, European Leaders Ahead of High-Stakes Summit with Putin in Alaska

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump is set to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders on Wednesday morning, just two days before a high-stakes, one-on-one summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. The diplomatic blitz comes amid renewed efforts to negotiate an end to the three-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump announced the call on Truth Social, saying, “Will be speaking to European Leaders in a short while. They are great people who want to see a deal done.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to join the conversation, aiming to press Trump to defend Ukraine’s interests during the U.S.-Russia talks.

The Trump-Putin meeting, scheduled for Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, will be the first time the two leaders have met in six years. The summit, described by the White House as a “listening exercise,” is seen as a pivotal opportunity to discuss a potential ceasefire and the broader prospects for peace in Ukraine.

Russian officials have publicly dismissed the significance of the European leaders’ consultations, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexey Fadeev accusing the EU of dragging out the settlement process. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains cautious despite reports that Moscow may be open to a limited ceasefire. Zelenskyy has called for a three-way meeting following the Trump-Putin summit, insisting that any durable peace must involve Ukraine directly. However, White House officials say Friday’s meeting will be strictly between Trump and Putin, at the Kremlin’s request.

Logistical and security concerns led to the selection of Anchorage, Alaska, as the site of the summit, with officials citing the need for a neutral and secure environment. Trump said he looks forward to “looking Putin in the eye” to gauge Russia’s intentions, and has promised to brief Zelenskyy and European leaders after the meeting immediately. He acknowledged that negotiations might bring both positive and negative results for Ukraine, including possible land swaps or other changes, though Ukrainian officials have ruled out ceding territory. “We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do this,” Zelenskyy told reporters, drawing a firm line against any territorial concessions.

The summit also comes as Trump increases economic pressure on Russia, including new sanctions and steep tariffs targeting major buyers of Russian oil. The White House says these moves have prompted Moscow to reach out for talks.

While hopes for an immediate breakthrough are tempered by skepticism in both Kyiv and Europe, the diplomatic flurry surrounding this week’s meetings has raised the stakes for all involved. As Trump and Putin prepare to meet, the world will be watching for any sign of real progress toward ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades.

Reporting contributed by Worthy News staff and wire services.

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