London/Kiev – Just one day before the US-Russian summit on ending the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited London on Thursday. He aimed to bolster European support for efforts to prevent any agreement that would divide Ukrainian territory.
Friday’s Alaska summit comes at one of Ukraine’s toughest moments in the war. It is the largest in Europe since World War II and has killed tens of thousands. Moreover, it has displaced millions since Russia’s full invasion in February 2022.
As he retreats on the battlefield against Russian forces, Zelensky and his allies seek to avoid any agreement. Such an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin would make Ukraine more vulnerable. It could lead to more Russian attacks.
Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to capitalize on the momentum of virtual talks. These talks were held Wednesday with European leaders and Trump. He seeks to set red lines for talks between Trump and Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.
Trump on Wednesday threatened “serious consequences” if Putin did not agree to peace in Ukraine. Although he did not specify what the possible consequences would be, he warned of economic sanctions if his meeting on Friday was unsuccessful.
“Yesterday was a pivotal moment for strengthening European and transatlantic unity,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sipia said in a television interview. We need peace through force as the foundation for a future of global security and stability.”
Zelensky: Putin is a deceiver
Zelensky said he warned Trump that Putin was “deceiving” about his desire to end the war.
The Ukrainian leader also said that Trump supported the idea of security guarantees in the post-war settlement. Politico quoted informed sources as saying that Trump said that the United States is able to provide guarantees with conditions.
An informed source told Reuters that security guarantees were discussed during the call.
“We don’t have details of his (Trump’s) view on this, but he’s now more open to some kind of US support for safeguards,” the source said. Additionally, Trump understood that a US safety net was needed for safeguards to be enforceable.
