European Leaders Urge Increased Pressure on Russia Ahead Trump-Putin Summit

European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have called for increased pressure on Russia ahead of a scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any peace agreement that would involve ceding Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that decisions made without Ukraine are decisions against peace. European leaders, including those from France, Germany, the UK, and the EU Commission, have stressed that a successful resolution must protect Ukraine's sovereignty and Europe's security interests, occur under conditions of a ceasefire, and include Ukraine in all negotiations. They have welcomed Trump's diplomatic efforts but insist that peace requires a combination of active diplomacy, continued support for Ukraine, and sustained pressure on Russia. Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues on the ground, with recent Russian advances and civilian casualties reported. The upcoming Alaska summit on August 15 remains controversial, with Kyiv demanding participation and opposing any territorial concessions.