European leaders, including Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, are gathering in Chevening, England, to address growing concerns that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin could negotiate a deal without their involvement. The meeting comes amid fears that any agreement between the U.S. and Russia might be imposed on Ukraine without its consent, raising questions about the sovereignty of Kyiv and the role of European allies in the conflict.
Mr. Lammy and Vice President Vance are expected to push for a more inclusive approach to negotiations, emphasizing that Ukraine’s voice must be central to any talks between the U.S. and Russia. Analysts warn that if the U.S. and Russia bypass European allies, it could lead to a breakdown in the fragile international coalition supporting Kyiv. The U.S. and Russia have been at odds over the war in Ukraine, with the Biden administration maintaining support for Kyiv while Trump has called for a ceasefire and de-escalation, which has raised concerns about potential U.S. policy shifts.
Ukraine’s allies, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, are also closely monitoring the situation, fearing that any unilateral deal could undermine their efforts to provide military and economic assistance to Kyiv. The meeting in Chevening marks a critical moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a potential shift in U.S. policy that could jeopardize the current support for Ukraine. As the G7 and NATO continue their discussions, the European leaders are left to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape where the interests of Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia remain at odds.