POLITICO: Fear of concessions drives Europe to rally behind Ukraine

In its recent piece, POLITICO notes that European leaders are moving quickly to reinforce Ukraine’s position ahead of planned talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid fears that a hastily negotiated ceasefire could weaken Kyiv and destabilise Europe.

At a summit in Brussels this week, EU officials are set to approve a three-pronged support package for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strategy includes increased financial aid, additional weapons, and new sanctions targeting Russia, according to diplomats preparing for Thursday’s meeting.

The urgency comes after Trump shifted his stance on the war, suggesting he might support freezing the conflict along its current front lines — less than a month after proposing Ukraine could reclaim all its territory. European officials warn that such a position could force Zelenskyy to cede land to Russia, a scenario they consider disastrous for Ukraine and the wider continent.

“We see President Trump’s efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Of course, all these efforts are welcome, but we don’t see Russia really wanting peace,” top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said Monday. “Russia only understands strength.”

Zelenskyy, who met with Trump last week without securing long-range weapons, said European leaders will press the U.S. president to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Beyond arms, EU countries are also close to agreeing on a 19th round of sanctions to further damage Russia’s economy and plans to tap €140 billion in frozen Russian assets as a “reparations loan” for Ukraine. Officials say unlocking these funds could secure Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defence for at least the next two years.

Diplomats expect Zelenskyy to address EU leaders Thursday, either in person or via video call, to rally support. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is convening a “coalition of the willing” to coordinate broader international support. “I firmly believe that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position before, during and after any ceasefire,” Starmer said Monday, emphasising efforts to cripple Russia’s war machine.

European efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of an upcoming Trump-Putin meeting in Budapest, where the terms of a potential truce may be discussed. Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, an ally of Trump who has maintained ties with Putin throughout the conflict, has repeatedly blocked EU sanctions and called for peace, arguing Ukraine’s war is not Europe’s to fight. Some EU leaders hope to attend the Budapest meeting or ensure Zelenskyy has a seat at the table; Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to go if invited.

European officials fear Trump could side with Putin and pressure Kyiv into accepting Russian terms, potentially conceding territory in eastern Ukraine. Scepticism remains over Russia’s intentions, with many diplomats viewing Putin’s offer to meet Trump as a stalling tactic while missile and drone attacks on Ukraine continue.

A central proposal for the Brussels summit involves using €140 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. The plan, described as a “reparations loan,” would only be repaid if Russia eventually compensates Ukraine. Belgium, which holds the largest share of these assets, has expressed concerns about reputational risks, while other countries worry about the euro’s credibility. EU officials aim to mandate the European Commission to draft legal proposals to implement the plan.

In parallel, EU leaders are expected to approve the bloc’s 19th sanctions package, targeting Russian banks and cryptocurrencies used to evade previous measures. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who had blocked sanctions over energy concerns, is now close to an agreement, according to diplomats.

The fundamental anxiety among EU governments remains that Trump might pressure Kyiv into ceding territory. He has suggested freezing the war along current lines, claiming “78 per cent” of the Donbas is already under Russian control. EU diplomats warn that any land concessions could trigger alarm across the Baltic states and lead to widespread rearmament in Europe.

Kallas firmly rejected any peace deal requiring Ukraine to give up Russian-occupied land. “Everybody says territorial integrity is an important value that we stand for,” she said. “We have to keep to that, because if we just give away the territories, this gives a message to everybody that you can just use force against your neighbours and get what you want.”

By Tamilla Hasanova