U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday held a secure conference call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European Union leaders, two days before Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The conversation, convened at Germany’s initiative, aimed to align Western positions ahead of Friday’s face-to-face talks designed to explore a path toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Officials briefed on the call said the European participants reiterated that Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders are non-negotiable, pointing to a joint declaration signed by every EU member except Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters afterwards that “Ukraine cannot lose this war,” reflecting widespread concern in Europe that any settlement which requires Kyiv to cede territory would embolden Moscow. According to a Reuters account of the discussion, the leaders also weighed possible locations in Europe and the Middle East for a follow-up meeting involving Trump, Putin and Zelensky should the Alaska summit make headway. Zelensky later described the exchange as “productive,” though he again ruled out a cease-fire that forces Ukraine to surrender land. The diplomacy unfolds against a deteriorating military backdrop. Ukrainian commanders report a fresh Russian troop build-up in the eastern Donetsk region and warn a new offensive could begin as early as September. Kyiv’s forces have meanwhile struck an oil facility in Russia’s Bryansk region, underscoring the conflict’s escalating reach as negotiators head into the high-stakes Alaska talks.