Chicago Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
Ukraine President Joins Emergency Meeting with European Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Berlin today to join a virtual meeting with US President Donald Trump, European leaders, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The meeting, hosted by Germany, aims to ensure Ukraine’s interests are protected ahead of Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. European leaders are concerned that Trump might make concessions to Russia that could harm Ukraine.
Zelenskiy will first meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz before joining the video conference with leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and the European Union. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 2 pm (1200 GMT). Trump and US Vice President JD Vance will join the call later, at 3 pm (1300 GMT). European leaders want to emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s participation in any peace negotiations.
The meeting comes at a critical time, as Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine, and Trump has expressed interest in brokering a ceasefire. However, Trump’s suggestion that a deal might involve “some swapping of territories” has sparked concern in Ukraine and Europe. Zelenskiy has made it clear that Ukraine will not agree to any deal that compromises its territorial integrity.
