This Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a decisive meeting at the White House with former U.S. President Donald Trump, backed by a strong coalition of European leaders. The delegation will be led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and includes French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The presence of such a diverse group reflects Europe’s determination to present a united front in support of Ukraine. The meeting comes only days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump hinted at supporting a potential peace deal that might involve territorial concessions from Kyiv. This possibility has raised concerns across Europe, where leaders fear that any rushed agreement could undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and set a dangerous precedent.
European leaders are therefore determined not only to show political solidarity with Zelenskyy but also to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is not sidelined in any negotiation. Security guarantees, long-term military assistance, and a clear path for Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO are expected to be central points of discussion.
Why are European leaders attending this meeting?
They want to strengthen Zelenskyy’s position in talks with Trump, prevent Ukraine from being diplomatically isolated, and guarantee that any peace framework includes firm political and security commitments to protect the country’s sovereignty.
