Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has bolstered critical support from NATO and European leaders ahead of a pivotal meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation would be unsustainable. “Decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine are ineffective,” Zelensky emphasized during a press briefing, highlighting Kyiv’s determination to remain central to discussions impacting its sovereignty.
The show of solidarity from Western allies arrives amid escalating tensions over Russia’s prolonged military aggression in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the alliance’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while EU leaders pledged further economic and political assistance. “Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s security,” Stoltenberg stated, signaling a unified front against external threats to regional stability.
Zelensky’s diplomatic offensive reflects growing unease over the potential revival of US-Russia dialogues that could sideline Ukrainian interests. With speculation mounting about Trump and Putin revisiting topics like sanctions or security guarantees, Kyiv has intensified efforts to ensure its voice is heard. “We will not accept backroom deals that ignore our people’s rights,” Zelensky declared, underscoring the nation’s resolve to resist being marginalized in geopolitical negotiations.
European leaders echoed this sentiment, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirming that “durable peace requires Ukraine’s direct involvement.” French President Emmanuel Macron similarly stressed the need for “collective European responsibility” to counter unilateral moves by external powers. The coordinated messaging underscores Europe’s strategic shift toward treating Ukraine as a key partner rather than a peripheral player.
Despite the vocal backing, challenges persist. NATO members remain divided over military aid levels, and EU nations continue grappling with energy dependencies on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump’s unpredictable stance on Ukraine during his presidency has left lingering doubts about the potential outcomes of his engagement with Putin. Analysts warn that sidelining Kyiv risks emboldening Moscow and undermining Euro-Atlantic cohesion. “This is a moment for principled diplomacy, not unilateral concessions,” remarked a senior EU diplomat.
As global attention turns to the Trump-Putin summit, Zelensky’s success in rallying international allies highlights Ukraine’s evolving role as a geopolitical linchpin. “We are not merely observers in this process,” the Ukrainian leader asserted. “Any lasting solution must be forged with us, not above us.” The stakes, he implied, extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders—to the credibility of a rules-based international order.
