FT: Europe races to keep US in Ukraine peace talks as Trump signals exit

European leaders are stepping up diplomatic efforts to keep the US involved in Ukraine peace negotiations, amid growing concern that President Donald Trump may withdraw from the process.

The flurry of activity follows a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Trump reportedly suggested that Moscow and Kyiv should settle the conflict without US mediation, Caliber.Az reports via Financial Times.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European heads of state held urgent consultations.

“It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin,” Zelenskyy warned. 

Talks focused on options for implementing new sanctions against Russia—even without US support—and how to convince the White House to stay engaged.

“We need to find a way to ensure that the US stays involved,” said one European official.

A Ukrainian official echoed these concerns, saying Kyiv is working to build “joint positions” with European partners. 

“We clearly see that Trump wants out of the talks. The aim is to keep the Americans in the talks and to find some common view on how to secure a ceasefire,” the official said. 

Trump’s conciliatory tone toward Putin marks a shift from earlier this month, when the US threatened consequences if Russia did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire. European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, voiced frustration at the lack of US pressure on Moscow. 

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s openness to negotiations but insisted any peace plan must be realistic. “There is no doubt that the war must end at the negotiating table,” he said, “but the proposals on the table must be clear and realistic.”

By Naila Huseynova