( NewsNation) — European Union leaders appealed to President Donald Trump on Tuesday to defend their security interests at Friday’s summit with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, attempting to exert influence over the meeting from which they are sidelined.

Ukraine and its European allies fear that Trump could align with Putin to cut a deal that would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv.

Europe wants U.S. President Donald Trump to defend Ukraine’s interests and European security when he meets with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Since returning to the White House, Trump has openly kept his distance from European counterparts.