EU, NATO Insist Ukraine Join U.S.-Russia Peace Talks

European and NATO leaders have reiterated strong support for Ukraine ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, demanding that any peace deal must protect Ukraine's sovereignty and include Kyiv in the negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said both sides are likely to be dissatisfied with any agreement and emphasized Trump's key role in facilitating dialogue between Putin and Zelenskyy, though a Trump-Putin bilateral may occur first. Trump has floated 'territory swaps' as a peace solution, but this proposal has been firmly rejected by Ukraine and its European allies, who warn it could embolden further Russian aggression. European officials, including Germany's Chancellor and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have insisted that Ukraine and the EU must be included in any settlement and have rejected any territorial concessions. Preparations for the summit are ongoing, and it remains uncertain whether Zelenskyy will be invited, as the Kremlin continues to refuse a direct meeting. EU foreign ministers are set to meet to discuss strategy as diplomatic tensions remain high.