Politico: EU leaders lobby for seat at Trump-Putin talks

European leaders are intensifying efforts to secure a seat at the table for themselves — and for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — in any upcoming negotiations between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a diplomat familiar with the matter.

With concerns mounting over a possible behind-closed-doors agreement that could force Ukraine to accept unfavourable terms, multiple EU officials are privately lobbying for inclusion in the talks. Their fears center on the possibility that Trump could once again align with Putin on defining a peace settlement, potentially pressuring Kyiv into conceding territory in eastern Ukraine,sources told Politico.

Zelenskyy, for his part, has expressed openness to attending talks if invited, saying on October 20 he would be willing to go to Budapest. But many in Europe fear that time is not on Ukraine’s side.

According to diplomats, Putin’s recent two-hour phone call with Trump — followed by their proposal for a second meeting — has only deepened skepticism among European officials who believe the Russian president is not serious about peace, but rather using diplomacy to stall while escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Less than a month after saying Ukraine could still reclaim all of its territory, Trump recently floated the idea of freezing the conflict along current front lines — a move EU leaders view as a potential disaster for Ukraine and European security.

As a result, EU heads of state gathering in Brussels this week are expected to approve a three-pronged package aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s position ahead of any talks. The package includes unlocking billions of euros from frozen Russian assets, expanding weapons deliveries, and pushing through a 19th round of sanctions targeting Moscow’s economy.

European leaders also intend to raise with Trump the need to provide long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine — a request Zelenskyy made after leaving Washington last week without new weapons commitments.

Officials say progress on unfreezing roughly €140 billion in Russian financial assets will send a clear message to Moscow: Ukraine will have the means to continue fighting for at least two more years, regardless of how any negotiations unfold.

By Sabina Mammadli