President Trump is scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Friday in Alaska, to discuss a path to ending the war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine three and a half years ago. Before he does, his European allies would like to have a word.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany will convene a Ukraine-themed video call on Wednesday that is set to include Mr. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and several of Mr. Trump’s favorite European leaders, like Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni of Italy.
A wide range of public statements from Mr. Merz and others suggest the leaders will implore Mr. Trump not to cut a peace deal with Mr. Putin — behind the backs of Mr. Zelensky or his European allies. Mr. Zelensky has not been invited to Alaska.
The European leaders will likely stress that any discussions of terms for ending the war must start with a full cease-fire. They also believe that Europe’s approval is essential for any plans to enforce a truce with European troops.
It will be the latest attempt by Mr. Merz and his European counterparts to head off Mr. Trump’s unilateral impulses and to keep him from falling under Mr. Putin’s sway — though Mr. Merz and his allies almost never frame it that way.
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