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Europe Moves to Prevent a Trump-Putin Deal Over Ukraine Without Kyiv’s Input
London – With fears growing that Washington and Moscow could strike a deal over Ukraine without consulting its allies, European and Ukrainian leaders met outside London on Saturday alongside top U.S. officials. Their aim: to understand President Vladimir Putin’s latest demands and to ensure President Donald Trump is clear on what is at stake.
At the meeting, European leaders expressed solidarity with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming their shared position that:
- A cease-fire must come before any talks on territorial changes.
- Ukraine will not cede land that Russia does not currently occupy.
- Any settlement must include binding security guarantees, ideally involving the U.S.
They also made it clear that no deal should be negotiated “over the heads” of Kyiv or European capitals. Trump has insisted that Europe should shoulder post-war security responsibilities, but NATO leaders reiterated that Ukraine’s path to membership remains open, even if not immediately feasible.
Inside the London Talks
Hosted by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the meeting included senior European and Ukrainian officials. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff — who met with Putin in Moscow last week — was scheduled to join virtually.
European participants wanted clarity on what Putin had proposed to Witkoff regarding an end to the war. While Moscow has long demanded recognition of its control over Crimea and four occupied regions, sources say Putin is now focused on securing Crimea and the entire Donbas region (Luhansk and Donetsk), even parts currently held by Ukraine. In exchange, he would accept a cease-fire freezing battle lines elsewhere, including in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Kyiv, however, insists on a cease-fire first and rejects any permanent territorial concessions under international law. Zelensky reiterated on Saturday that Ukraine will not surrender land Russia does not hold.
Fears of a Side Deal
European capitals worry Trump and Putin could forge a bilateral settlement and pressure Ukraine to accept it — a scenario reminiscent of the post-war Yalta division of Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron warned on social media that “Ukraine’s future cannot be decided without the Ukrainians,” adding that Europe must also be part of any final arrangement because it directly impacts continental security.
Differences between Washington and Europe have widened in recent weeks, both on Ukraine and the war in Gaza. Trump has been pushing for quick solutions, while European governments emphasize process, legality, and security guarantees.
Trump briefed European leaders on Wednesday about Putin’s proposal, hinting at a land swap involving full Russian control of Donbas. That raised alarm, given that parts of Donetsk remain under Ukrainian control. Confusion persists over whether Putin still claims Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in full, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Strategic Stakes
For Europe, Russia remains a long-term strategic threat. Leaders fear that excessive concessions now would embolden Moscow, especially in the Baltics. “If borders can be changed by force, none are safe,” Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned, vowing not to reward aggression.
European governments have been advising Zelensky on maintaining good relations with Trump, mindful of a tense February Oval Office meeting in which Trump told him, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” Zelensky later apologized and expressed support for Trump’s cease-fire push — which Putin has so far resisted.
Even after a settlement, European nations plan to give Ukraine concrete security guarantees, including military assistance to deter further Russian aggression. But until then, they insist that Kyiv, not Washington or Moscow alone, must be central to any peace process.
