European leaders plan video call with Trump and Zelensky on Wednesday
European leaders will hold a video call with US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, the German government has announced. The aim is to prepare for Friday's talks between Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin.
First, there will be a discussion on Wednesday between the leaders of Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland, with the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, Zelensky and NATO chief Mark Rutte. This will be followed by a second meeting, which Trump and vice president JD Vance will join.
The aim of the European leaders is to map out a joint strategy ahead of the Trump-Putin talks. These could have far-reaching consequences for the conflict in Ukraine and geopolitical relations in Europe.
According to a spokesperson for the German government, the agenda will focus on a few key points.
The leaders will discuss ways to increase pressure on Russia and look at the status of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. They will also discuss security guarantees for Kyiv and the sequence of any peace talks.
A crucial position that is emerging is the demand by German chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders that Putin first agree to a ceasefire before there can be any peace talks or territorial exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv.
EU Foreign ministers are already holding a video conference on Monday afternoon, with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha also participating.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky © PHOTO ODD ANDERSEN / AFP
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