• European leaders are concerned about Trump's potential territorial concessions to Putin.
• Ukraine's involvement in talks is deemed crucial for any peace agreements.
• Trump's comments on land swaps have raised tensions with both Ukraine and European allies.

In anticipation of the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union (EU) leaders are intensifying their calls for Ukraine's inclusion in any discussions regarding the conflict's resolution. With the meeting set to occur in Alaska on Friday, they caution that "a just and lasting peace" cannot occur without Ukraine's direct participation. They also stress that any alterations to national borders must adhere to international law and avoid being dictated by force, according to BBC, Africanews, and CBS News.

With fears that Trump might offer Russian concessions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already rejected any notion of territorial compromises. He has firmly stated that any negotiations should first involve establishing a ceasefire. "The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," EU leaders highlighted, which echoes sentiments of unequivocal support for Ukraine’s defensive rights, according to Newsweek and The Hill.

Throughout these discussions, European leaders expressed particular concern over Trump's inclination to endorse land swaps to facilitate peace, a suggestion that has drawn severe backlash. "Zelensky was saying, 'Well, I have to get constitutional approval,'" Trump remarked, minimizing Ukraine's need for sovereignty in the dialogue. This perspective has entailed a broader concern among EU nations regarding Russia's persistent ambitions, especially considering historical precedents of Russian aggression, as noted in Reuters and BBC.

As the situation develops, the EU is making further attempts to galvanize Trump towards a collaborative approach, particularly at a series of upcoming meetings led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These assemblages include key discussions on Ukraine's security guarantees and escalating diplomatic strategies to reinforce support for Ukraine amidst ongoing hostilities, according to Africanews and CBS News.

Analysts indicate that the potential outcomes of the forthcoming summit might significantly influence European security, beyond just the context of Ukraine. "If an unacceptable deal emerges from Alaska, European capitals will go into yet another diplomatic and charm offensive," a European official noted, reflecting widespread apprehension regarding the possibility of compromising Ukrainian territorial integrity in favor of fleeting peace deals, according to Newsweek and Reuters.