Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, pointed out that if Zelensky were included, it would signify a successful meeting for the U.S., raising questions over how Ukraine's interests can be adequately upheld without its leader present. The tension escalates with the format of a one-on-one meeting being a preference of the Kremlin, further sidelining European influence in discussions.

In response, Kallas hosted a virtual meeting of foreign ministers advocating for an unconditional ceasefire while announcing new sanctions against Moscow. Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, emphasized the need for Europe to assert its agency in response to security threats. In a move to address these concerns, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arranged a remote meeting involving Zelensky and Trump prior to the summit in an attempt to influence the American-led initiative.

Despite such efforts, former officials remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these discussions, stressing that the talks may not yield immediate resolutions and could prolong the conflict. As Europe navigates this critical moment, the search for a balanced solution in Ukraine remains fraught with challenges as geopolitical dynamics shift.