Russia Vs Ukraine: Europe reacts to Trump – Putin meeting

European leaders issued a joint statement on Friday following the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, reaffirming their support for Ukraine and emphasizing the need for strong security commitments.

They stated that Ukraine must have “ironclad security guarantees” to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders stressed that decisions regarding Ukraine’s territory should rest solely with Kyiv and that international borders must not be changed by force.

The statement welcomed President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to stop the war in Ukraine and noted his remark that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.” It also acknowledged Trump’s intention to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the near future. Looking ahead, the European leaders expressed readiness to work with both Trump and Zelenskyy toward organizing a trilateral summit with European support.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin concluded a high-stakes summit on Friday without reaching a breakthrough on the war in Ukraine.

While the leaders emphasized areas of agreement and appeared to rekindle their personal rapport, no concrete steps toward a ceasefire were announced.

Following a three-hour closed-door meeting, both leaders offered vague statements in a brief joint appearance. Trump described the summit as “extremely productive” and claimed there was progress, saying, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”

He added, “There are just a very few that are left; some are not that significant, one is probably the most significant,” without providing further detail.

Putin echoed the tone of cautious optimism, stating, “We hope that the understanding we have reached will pave the way for peace in Ukraine.” He closed by smiling and suggesting a second meeting: “Next time in Moscow.”

Putin complimented Trump during the summit, remarking that the war in Ukraine “would not have happened” if Trump had been president instead of Joe Biden a sentiment Trump has often shared. Trump again dismissed allegations that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election, calling them a “hoax,” despite findings from U.S. intelligence agencies.

Before the summit, Trump had warned of “severe consequences” if Russia failed to accept a ceasefire. But in a post-summit interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, he downplayed the need for immediate action, saying, “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that now.”

Trump’s warm rapport with Putin was in stark contrast to his more confrontational stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their White House meeting in February. Trump had proposed a three-way meeting including Zelensky but did not follow through at the summit.

Trump stated he would now consult with Zelensky and NATO allies before further action. “Now it’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done,” he told Fox News.

In response, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s expectations of support from the U.S. “It is time to end the war, and the necessary steps must be taken by Russia. We are counting on America,” he posted on social media. Zelensky has resisted pressure to concede any territory seized by Russia.

Putin used the summit platform to warn Ukraine and European nations against obstructing peace efforts, saying they should not “create any obstacles” or attempt to disrupt “emerging progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigues.”

The summit was staged with high drama. Putin and Trump arrived in separate presidential jets, with Trump clapping as Putin descended onto the tarmac. A U.S. B-2 stealth bomber flew overhead, and Trump personally escorted Putin into the presidential limousine, “The Beast,” ahead of the private talks.

Inside, the leaders met beneath a screen bearing the phrase “Pursuing Peace.” The meeting was a rare in-person appearance for Putin, who is currently under an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to war crimes in Ukraine.

Russia has recently made battlefield gains, which could potentially strengthen Putin’s negotiating position. However, Ukraine also reported it had reclaimed several villages as Putin traveled to the summit.

Trump, seeking to show greater resolve than during his controversial 2018 Helsinki meeting with Putin, scrapped plans for a one-on-one and instead included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff in the talks.