Brussels emphasizes that any agreement must include security guarantees for Kiev and that Ukraine itself must be present at the peace talks.
European leaders warn that proposals to exchange land between Ukraine and Russia could seriously undermine Kiev's security. They believe any agreement should start with the current frontlines rather than giving up territory.
Senior EU officials stress that the Russian proposal for territorial exchange primarily benefits Moscow. Security guarantees for Ukraine are considered more important than trading land. This stance has been clearly conveyed to Washington ahead of the Trump-Putin summit.
The planned summit between Trump and Putin will take place Friday in Alaska. EU leaders worry that an agreement without Ukrainian input could lead to concessions weakening the country. They insist on Kiev's direct involvement at all stages of the process.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, emphasizes that any agreement to end the war must be supported both by Ukraine and the EU. She has convened a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday to discuss next steps.
In a joint statement on Sunday, EU leaders called on Trump to put more pressure on Russia. They want Moscow not only to agree to a ceasefire but also to make binding security arrangements that protect Ukraine against future attacks.
The EU's appeal to Trump aims to prevent Washington from concluding an agreement outside European partners and Ukraine. European leaders fear that a bilateral deal between the US and Russia could freeze the conflict in a way that chiefly benefits Moscow.