Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz categorically ruled out the possibility of transferring Ukrainian territories to Russia. This became clear after the end of a virtual meeting with US President Donald Trump, senior Ukrainian leaders and key Western allies of Kiev, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The conversation, held at the initiative of Berlin, took place two days before the talks between Trump and Putin in Alaska.
Zelensky expressed hope that the main topic of the meeting in Alaska would be the ceasefire. He proposed organizing a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States with his participation and insisted on new sanctions against Moscow.
Macron stressed that all options, including a new package of sanctions, remain on the table. He noted that Trump had also stated that territorial issues could only be negotiated with the participation of Kiev.
Merz emphasized the need to protect the interests of Ukraine and Europe in the security sphere during the talks in Alaska. He categorically rejected the legal recognition of the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and said that Trump largely shares the European position. According to him, guarantees for the security of Ukraine were also discussed.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte summarized that European leaders, Trump and Zelensky were united in their determination to end the war. "The ball is in Europe's court," he said, praising the US president's leadership and close coordination with allies.