European Summit Puts Pressure on Kyiv as Trump Questions Ukraine’s Commitment to Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with several European leaders this week, seeking to shore up support for Kyiv’s security needs and peace conditions as diplomatic maneuvering around the war intensifies. The meetings come at a moment of growing political tension, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly accused Zelensky of failing to fully review Washington’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

At the gathering, Zelensky briefed European counterparts on Ukraine’s battlefield situation, the country’s long-term defense requirements, and Kyiv’s priorities for any negotiated settlement. European leaders reiterated their support, but some pushed for clearer plans on how Ukraine envisions future security guarantees and territorial arrangements.

The diplomatic backdrop grew more complicated when Trump claimed Zelensky had “not even read” the U.S. plan presented by his envoys. The allegation sparked frustration in Kyiv, where officials insist they have evaluated every proposal seriously but remain committed to terms that ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and lasting security.

European leaders at the summit avoided direct criticism of Trump’s remarks but emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in ongoing international diplomacy. Several countries also raised concerns about the pace of negotiations and the urgency of establishing a unified Western position ahead of further talks involving Washington and Moscow.

Zelensky, addressing reporters after the meetings, said Ukraine would not be pressured into accepting terms that jeopardize its independence. He underscored that any peace framework must include durable guarantees and accountability for past aggression.

While the summit produced no major breakthrough, it showcased the delicate balance European governments must maintain—supporting Ukraine’s defense, managing transatlantic diplomatic frictions, and preparing for an unstable geopolitical environment as new proposals continue to circulate.

The coming weeks are expected to bring intensified negotiations, with Western unity and Kyiv’s own red lines under increasing scrutiny.

Author: M.J