European leaders will be keeping a close eye on the progress of the meeting in Alaska, not least because the continent's security is at stake. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has positioned himself as a top defender of Ukraine's demands for achieving peace — but is anyone listening to him?

Berlin

The presidents of the United States and Russia are meeting to discuss peace efforts in Europe, focusing on the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Ukraine's president and European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are not directly involved in the talks. Chancellor Merz has called for Europe to be included in any peace negotiations and insists that discussions should be preceded by a ceasefire to ensure fair representation for Ukrainian interests.

Despite Merz's efforts to assert a leading European role, the negotiations remain dominated by the US and Russia, with limited European influence. Observers note that Merz could emerge as a key figure for Europe, similar to former Chancellor Merkel, by uniting European interests and maintaining communication with both Ukraine and the US. Positive outcomes from the talks would be welcomed across Europe, given the ongoing criticism of Merz's early tenure as chancellor.

What can Germany expect from the Trump-Putin meeting?

The US and Russian presidents are meeting to discuss peace in Europe, but the Ukrainian president is not invited, nor are Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz or the other European leaders. The bigger nuclear powers may be calling the shots, but Merz has sought to take a leading role, hoping Trump will stand up for Europe's strategic concerns. The American president knows that if the United States works toward a peace in Ukraine that protects European and Ukrainian interests, then he can count on our full support. After Wednesday's video call between European leaders and Trump, Merz set out demands for possible peace talks. European must be at the negotiating table, not forced to accept what Putin offers. And the talks need to be preceded by a ceasefire. Kiev cannot negotiate with a gun to its head. Trump says he is listening, but does he care what Europe thinks? Overall, Europe does not have significant influence on the negotiations between Putin and Trump. Putin is not particularly interested in what Europe says, but in the European context I would say that Merz could become a leading figure, similar to what we saw in the past with Merkel, so his role can develop in the sense that he at least brings the Europeans together and that he's the most important contact for the Ukrainians and he has access to Trump. Friedrich Merz is still finding his way as Chancellor after three months in office. He's not yet delivered much of his campaign agenda and faces criticism from his own side for some decisions. Good news from the Alaska talks would be very welcome, for all of Europe, not just Ukraine.

For the first time in a decade, Vladimir Putin was on U.S. soil for a much-anticipated meeting with Donald Trump. The U.S. and Russian presidents were supposed to discuss a deal to put an end to Moscow’s war against Ukraine, but they did not mention a ceasefire after the talks.

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America's NATO allies stood firmly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of the face-to-face meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The European leaders showed a united front that there should be no peace deal without Ukraine's involvement.

Kyiv

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U.S. President Donald Trump said that his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday will be to "feel out" the leader as pressure mounts for Russia and Ukraine to make a peace deal.

Breakdown