We learned overnight that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky will be part of this virtual meeting with President Donald Trump. Today's call organized by the German Chancellor includes the heads of NATO and the European Commission, who are rallying behind Ukraine ahead of Friday's meeting, where the country does not have *** seat at the table. It's *** chance for them to insist that Trump. And Putin not make any decisions without their input at the summit. The leaders are concerned about what will come out of it, as President Trump suggested *** possible deal could involve swapping territories. The White House is offering contradicting messages over what to expect at the end of that meeting, probably in the 1st 2 minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not *** deal. This is *** listening exercise for the president. Look, only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present for European leaders, today's meeting is about showing unity in the interests of their own security. They're worried that any deal giving Russia more land could embolden Putin to threaten their borders next in Washington, I'm Amy Lou.
Zelenskyy, European leaders make their case with Trump ahead of his meeting with Putin
European leaders, along with the Ukrainian president, will speak with President Trump in a virtual meeting on Wednesday, as concerns grow over a meetup with Russia this week.
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Updated: 5:25 AM CDT Aug 13, 2025
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The White House is lowering expectations ahead of Friday's summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders plan to discuss an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. Ahead of the face-to-face meeting, European leaders organized a virtual meeting with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend the meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. The call, organized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will include NATO Chief Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen. The leaders are rallying behind Ukraine, aiming to ensure that Trump and Putin do not make any decisions without their input. Concerns are mounting over what might emerge from Friday's meeting, as President Trump has suggested a deal could involve "swapping territories." Still, the White House is offering contradicting messages over what to expect."At the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made," Trump told reporters earlier in the week. "That's what I do. I make deals.""This is a listening exercise for the president," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in direct contrast to Trump's words Tuesday. "Only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present." For European leaders, Wednesday's virtual meeting will be about showing unity in the interest of their own security. Several worry that a deal giving Russia more land could embolden Putin to threaten their borders next. And while doubt is growing over the U.S.' commitment to help and include Ukraine, European leaders have formed their own so-called "coalition of the willing" that will also meet on Wednesday. Led by France, the U.K., and Germany, the coalition includes some 30 countries preparing to deploy their own troops to Ukraine and police any future peace agreement with Russia. The coalition also plans to pledge more money and weapons to Ukraine. Even if an agreement handing over land is reached, it wouldn't be easy to carry out. Zelenskyy cannot agree to it himself, as Ukraine's constitution prevents him from doing so. Instead, the Ukrainian public would have to vote to give up land to Russia. In a more likely scenario, Ukraine could accept Russian control over its territory but not formally recognize it, leaving the door open for future conflict.Watch the latest on the war in Ukraine:
WASHINGTON — The White House is lowering expectations ahead of Friday's summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders plan to discuss an end to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Ahead of the face-to-face meeting, European leaders organized a virtual meeting with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
will also attend the meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. The call, organized by , will include and .
The leaders are rallying behind Ukraine, aiming to ensure that Trump and Putin do not make any decisions without their input. Concerns are mounting over what might emerge from Friday's meeting, as President Trump has suggested a deal could involve "swapping territories." Still, the White House is offering contradicting messages over what to expect.
"At the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made," Trump told reporters earlier in the week. "That's what I do. I make deals."
"This is a listening exercise for the president," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in direct contrast to Trump's words Tuesday. "Only one party that's involved in this war is going to be present."
For European leaders, Wednesday's virtual meeting will be about showing unity in the interest of their own security. Several worry that a deal giving Russia more land could embolden Putin to threaten their borders next.
And while doubt is growing over the U.S.' commitment to help and include Ukraine, European leaders have formed their own so-called "coalition of the willing" that will also meet on Wednesday. Led by France, the U.K., and Germany, the coalition includes some 30 countries preparing to deploy their own troops to Ukraine and police any future peace agreement with Russia. The coalition also plans to pledge more money and weapons to Ukraine.
Even if an agreement handing over land is reached, it wouldn't be easy to carry out. Zelenskyy cannot agree to it himself, as Ukraine's constitution prevents him from doing so. Instead, the Ukrainian public would have to vote to give up land to Russia. In a more likely scenario, Ukraine could accept Russian control over its territory but not formally recognize it, leaving the door open for future conflict.
Watch the latest on the war in Ukraine:
