European leaders expressed cautious optimism after a virtual call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, ahead of his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a possible Ukraine ceasefire, BBC reported.

Trump said any agreement must involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and include security guarantees. European leaders welcomed the discussion but stressed Kyiv’s central role, wary that Trump might concede Ukrainian territory to Russia.

Russia continues its offensive and insists Ukraine withdraw from four occupied regions and abandon NATO ambitions—demands Europe and Kyiv reject.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described progress on security guarantees, while Zelenskiy urged more pressure on Russia, insisting sanctions are effective. Trump acknowledged that civilian casualties may continue despite diplomacy, according to BBC.