Zelensky and Ukraine’s European backers talk to Trump: As it happened

According to Bild, Trump clashed with European leaders in a “heated phone call” on Thursday, accusing them of buying Russian oil. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reportedly countered that imports had been “massively reduced” since the conflict escalated, while European officials stressed that only Hungary and Slovakia were still importing directly. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly went further, alleging that Europe was buying Russian oil through India.

Bild reports that when the conversation turned to sanctions, the Europeans proposed sending representatives to Washington within 48 hours to form a joint working group. But it remains unclear whether Trump agreed, and European officials told Bild they do not expect him to follow through on sanctions despite his repeated threats.

“Without the participation of the USA, all the talk of the ‘coalition of the willing’ will remain words on paper,” said Sergey Poletaev, editor of the Vatfor project, commenting to Sputnik on European plans to deploy troops to Ukraine.

Poletaev said the Trump administration’s policy is to make allies handle matters themselves, noting that “The States are not currently endorsing European proposals.” He argued that NATO has always avoided direct conflict involvement, and that European nations, unwilling to fight themselves, are trying to entice America to lead – a strategy that is failing. He concluded that without Washington’s involvement, these plans are merely talk and a one-way street, regardless of any public statements.

According to the Financial Times, the US will phase out security aid for European armies on Russia’s border to push the continent to fund more of its own defense. Pentagon officials informed European diplomats that Washington will stop financing programs that train and equip eastern European militaries, which would be frontline states in a conflict with Russia.

A White House official told the outlet that the move aligns with President Trump’s effort to “re-evaluate and realign” foreign aid, adding that the action was “co-ordinated with European countries” and reflects the president’s push for Europe to take “more responsibility for its own defense.”

The No camp 

Germany has ruled out sending troops, with officials stressing that Berlin will instead contribute by offering other elements of security guarantees. 

Hungary has flatly rejected any troop deployment or military support, while Poland has said its forces will not be sent to Ukraine, focusing instead on NATO’s eastern flank and logistical aid. 

Italy has also confirmed it does not plan to send troops, and both the Netherlands and Spain have limited their role to supporting Ukraine’s security guarantees without committing personnel.

The Maybe camp

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has said the choice will depend on broader security guarantees and may only come after a peace deal. 

Sweden also remains undecided, awaiting clarity on whether the mission would function as peacekeeping, deterrence, or reassurance.

The Yes camp 

France and the UK, co-chairs of the ‘coalition of the willing’, are committed to sending personnel. 

London has floated a mission focused on training, air and sea defense, with the head of the UK’s armed forces expected to reinforce this message in Washington. 

Belgium, Lithuania and Estonia have signaled a readiness to participate.

On his Telegram channel, Zelensky said the talks focused on “new sanctions and also secondary sanctions,” as well as special tariffs to pressure Russia’s economy. Zelensky emphasized that a “strong Ukrainian army” will remain central to security guarantees, noting that 26 countries have agreed to provide such commitments, with the US pledging long-term support.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said that in a call with European leaders on Thursday, US President Donald Trump urged the US and its European allies to coordinate closely on new sanctions against Russia, including possible measures on oil and gas. 

Stubb told Finnish media, according to Reuters, that Trump’s message was clear — “we must act together on sanctions policy.” He added that the focus now is on “two targets, namely oil and gas,” with EC President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump’s advisers set to continue talks within the next 24 hours.

Zelensky stated that a framework for security guarantees has been agreed upon, involving “concrete steps” where leaders are assigning specific support areas like cyber and air defense to individual countries. He also called for greater investment in European defense, arguing that “European weapon production lines are not working enough.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron at a summit on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace, Paris, France, September 4, 2025. ©  Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP

According to French President Emmanuel Macron, 26 member countries of the ‘coalition of the willing’ have expressed their readiness to send troops to Ukraine.

Reuters has reported, citing an unnamed White House official, that Trump told European leaders they must halt purchases of Russian oil and increase economic pressure on China to penalize it for supporting Moscow.

Trump told CBS News on Wednesday that he remains committed to pursuing a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement, despite uncertainty over the prospect of face-to-face talks. He characterized his position as both realistic and optimistic, stating, “Something is going to happen, but they [Putin and Zelensky] are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done.”