Ukraine, U.S., and Europe Divided Ahead of High-Stakes Peace Talks

Tensions are escalating ahead of a critical peace meeting in Europe as Ukraine, the United States, and European allies remain sharply divided over how to end the war. Leaders from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, the European Commission, and NATO partners are expected to attend talks aimed at forging a unified Western strategy.

Washington, under President Donald Trump, is pushing a controversial framework that would require Ukraine to withdraw from eastern Donbas and establish a U.S.-backed free economic zone. Kyiv has been given an informal deadline of around Christmas to respond. President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any forced territorial concessions, insisting decisions over land must be made by the Ukrainian people and accompanied by strong security guarantees. European leaders warn that pressuring Ukraine to cede territory could reward aggression and destabilize regional security as negotiations enter a decisive phase.