Trump seeks a deal with Putin without the participation of Ukraine and Europe – Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump may seek to reach an agreement directly with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, bypassing Ukraine or Europe.

This was reported by Reuters, citing “a source familiar with internal U.S. negotiations.”

However, the same source expressed doubts about this, stating that it could cause problems with Kyiv and the European Union.

Half a dozen senior European officials told the agency they see a risk of a deal that would be unfavorable for Europe and Ukraine’s security. They said that in such a case, European unity would be crucial. At present, Europeans are “focused on preventing this from happening, engaging with American partners, and maintaining coordination and unity on the European side.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said yesterday that the summit would be “a listening exercise” for Trump to learn what measures are needed to reach an agreement.

Reuters also writes that Trump will have a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at 3:00 p.m. Kyiv time, as reported by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s office.

The meeting will include leaders of Germany, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and the European Union, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Meanwhile, the German tabloid Bild, citing sources, reports that Zelensky will arrive in Berlin today and will join the call with Trump from Merz’s chancellery.

After the call with the Americans, there will be an online meeting of the “coalition of the willing.”