Trump-Putin Meeting in the Works: Europe Scrambles to Secure Ukraine’s Future
Russia’s foreign ministry announced on Saturday, February 22, 2025, that preparations for a face-to-face meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were underway. Meanwhile, U.S. officials confirmed an agreement with Moscow to restore diplomatic ties and resume economic cooperation.
Ongoing Diplomatic Talks Between the U.S. and Russia
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state-run TASS news agency that bilateral negotiations between Moscow and Washington would continue at the end of next week. He emphasized that “quite a lot” of contact was taking place between the two nations.
These developments have sparked concern among European leaders, who fear that Trump’s approach to Ukraine may lead to an unfavorable settlement for Kyiv. With Europe playing a key role in Ukraine’s defense, EU officials are working quickly to assert their influence in shaping any potential peace deal.
EU Leaders Demand a Role in Peace Talks
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, warned on Monday that the U.S. cannot negotiate a peace deal concerning Ukraine without European involvement. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, where she chaired a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kallas expressed concern over what she described as pro-Russian narratives from the Trump administration.
“You can discuss whatever you want with Putin. But if it comes to Europe or Ukraine, then Ukraine and Europe also have to agree to this deal,” Kallas stated.
On Tuesday, she will travel to Washington for high-level discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reinforce Europe’s stance on the issue.
When asked whether the U.S. administration was prioritizing Russia’s interests over Ukraine’s Western allies, Kallas pointed to American rhetoric that closely aligns with Moscow’s positions. She also rejected Trump’s previous claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was a “dictator” for not holding elections after his term expired. She noted that Ukraine, unlike Russia, has legal provisions preventing elections under martial law. Zelenskyy reaffirmed on Sunday that elections would take place once martial law is lifted.
Germany and the UK Strengthen Support for Ukraine
Fresh off a victory in Germany’s Sunday elections, conservative leader Friedrich Merz, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, reaffirmed the need to bolster Kyiv’s position. Posting on X, Merz wrote, “More than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength. For a fair peace, the country that is under attack must be part of peace negotiations.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier echoed this sentiment in a video message aired on Ukrainian television, stating that “peace and freedom in Europe demand of us that we support Ukraine resolutely.” He pledged that Germany would continue its humanitarian and military aid to Kyiv for “as long as this illegal war lasts.”
Meanwhile, the UK prepared to unveil its largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the war. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized on Sunday that the new measures aim to weaken Russia’s military operations and cut off revenue streams that fuel the conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are also expected to visit Washington this week, as European leaders push Trump to maintain support for Ukraine instead of prioritizing a quick peace deal.
Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Drone Attacks
As diplomatic maneuvering continues, Ukraine remains under relentless attack. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 113 Russian drones overnight, targeting 12 regions. An additional 71 drones were reported “lost,” according to the daily air force report.
The attack heavily impacted the Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Kyiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions, though specific damage reports have yet to be disclosed.
On Sunday, the eve of the war’s three-year anniversary, President Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had launched 267 drones into Ukraine in a single night—marking the most intense drone assault of the war so far.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Unified Action
As Russia and the U.S. engage in renewed diplomacy, European leaders are pushing to ensure that Ukraine’s interests remain at the forefront. With peace talks potentially on the horizon, the EU is determined not to be sidelined. Meanwhile, the reality on the ground in Ukraine underscores the urgent need for continued support and strategic decision-making.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy leads to a just peace or if Ukraine is pressured into an unfavorable settlement. Europe, alongside its allies, must stand firm in advocating for a resolution that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.