European leaders are set to meet former US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to support Ukraine in high-stakes peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by at least seven top European leaders, hopes to persuade Trump to impose sanctions and penalties to ensure a peace deal that favors Ukraine.
Unity Against Russian Aggression
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand a peace agreement that would strengthen Moscow’s control over eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelensky has firmly rejected these demands, emphasizing on Sunday in Brussels that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits ceding territory. However, he signaled that current front lines could serve as starting points for negotiations.
The coalition of European leaders includes French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Their aim is to dissuade Trump from advocating territorial concessions to Russia, while presenting a united European stance against Putin.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine
Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting Ukraine should give up territory to achieve peace. Over the weekend, he criticized media coverage of progress he claimed to have made in peace efforts during last week’s summit with Putin in Alaska. Trump took to his social platform Truth Social, posting, “If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the deal, the Fake News and the Radical Left would still criticize me.”
His remarks raised alarm among European allies, who are wary of potential weaknesses in any peace guarantees offered by the US. Despite this, Trump’s team, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirmed that Washington is prepared to provide NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine.
European Leaders Amplify Support
Prior to the Washington meeting, Zelensky and von der Leyen emphasized the importance of unity. “Putin does not want to stop the killings, but he must,” Zelensky asserted at a press conference in Brussels, signaling Ukraine’s determination to pursue negotiations that reflect the realities on the ground.
The war has significantly altered Ukraine’s territorial landscape, with Russian forces occupying major portions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, alongside Crimea. European leaders recognize the critical need for a lasting agreement that prevents future Russian aggression. Macron reiterated these concerns, citing Putin’s history of violating peace agreements.
Mixed Reactions to US Leadership
Critics of Trump, including Rubio, have highlighted challenges in dealing with Putin. “He’s lied in every deal he’s signed,” Rubio remarked, referencing his 2022 statements when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. However, Rubio now stresses the importance of enforceable mechanisms in any peace agreement to ensure accountability.
The upcoming White House meeting underscores the gravity of the situation as global leaders push for a resolution that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability in Eastern Europe. The outcome will significantly shape the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
