In a dramatic escalation ahead of a pivotal summit, European leaders are urgently appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty as tensions rise with Russia. As Trump prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week in Alaska, the stakes have never been higher for Ukraine, which has been embroiled in a brutal conflict for over four years.

European allies are fearful that Trump’s willingness to entertain land swaps and territorial concessions could undermine Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. The leaders are demanding that any discussions about Ukraine’s future include its own voice, emphasizing that peace cannot be brokered without its involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any notion of ceding territory to achieve a ceasefire, stating, “Any decision must add to our joint security capabilities.”

As the summit looms, the urgency is palpable. The European leaders are expressing their concerns that Putin, emboldened by a potential victory in Ukraine, may set his sights on further territorial ambitions within Europe. The collective anxiety is that the Kremlin could manipulate the situation to secure favorable concessions while sidelining Ukraine and its allies.

Zelensky’s recent messages highlight a unified front against Russian aggression, calling for sustained pressure through sanctions and diplomatic efforts. He warns that the Russian military is not preparing for peace but is instead gearing up for further conflict. “As long as they continue the war and occupation, we must maintain our pressure,” he asserted.

With the clock ticking down to the summit, the world watches closely as the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance. Will Trump stand firm against Russian encroachment, or will he inadvertently pave the way for further aggression? The outcome of this high-stakes meeting could reshape the geopolitical landscape and determine Ukraine’s future.