Trump holds virtual talks with Zelensky ahead of Putin summit

(CNN)- President Donald Trump is holding virtual talks today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, a precursor to his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for Friday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is “determined to try and end this war and stop the killing,” but significant obstacles remain in reaching a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelensky is pressing for security guarantees from allies, warning that without them, Russia could launch another attack. He also says Putin is already planning an offensive as soon as next month. “Putin is determined only to present meeting with America as his personal victory and then continue acting exactly as before,” Zelensky said.

Land concessions are another major sticking point. Zelensky cautions that handing over parts of eastern Ukraine could pave the way for future Russian invasions. Trump, however, has indicated he is less concerned about this, saying, “There’ll be some land swapping going on… to the good of Ukraine.”

Critics warn that such concessions may be premature. Rep. Don Bacon, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said, “We’re too eager to get a deal, and that puts us at a disadvantage.” Some analysts predict Putin may use Friday’s summit to try to drive a wedge between Trump and Zelensky.

Observers also note Trump appears frustrated with the Ukrainian leader. Susan Glasser of The New Yorker commented, “He seems to blame Ukraine consistently for somehow having been invaded by Russia.”