Washington, D.C.
In a powerful show of unity, European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The unusual gathering brought together some of Europe’s most influential figures, underlining the continent’s determination to stand by Ukraine as it enters a critical phase in its war with Russia.
Who Attended the Meeting?
The meeting, described by diplomats as both tense and historic, included a lineup of leaders rarely seen together on U.S. soil:
- Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, who stressed the need for credible long-term security commitments.
- Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, advocating for Ukraine’s future within Europe and stronger defense cooperation.
- Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, who called the discussions “good and constructive,” emphasizing Britain’s unwavering backing for Kyiv.
- Alexander Stubb, Finland’s President, offering his country’s firsthand perspective as NATO’s newest frontline member.
- Emmanuel Macron, French President, cautioning against a “quick fix” peace deal that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor, striking a careful tone—encouraging progress but warning of difficult compromises ahead.
- Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, balancing her ties with Trump while reinforcing Europe’s collective stance on defending Ukraine.
The group has been nicknamed Zelenskyy’s “European bodyguards,” a reflection of how closely they are working to protect Ukraine’s position in negotiations.
What Was Discussed?
The talks revolved around three central themes:
- Security Guarantees: Trump signaled support for a NATO-style security framework for Ukraine but stopped short of endorsing full NATO membership. European leaders largely welcomed the idea as a potential path to stability.
- Ceasefire vs. Peace Plan: Macron and Starmer pressed for a ceasefire as a first step, while Trump leaned toward brokering a broader peace deal that could involve direct talks between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Future Negotiations: Trump floated the possibility of hosting a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelenskyy, with himself in a central mediating role. While European leaders were cautious, they acknowledged the proposal marked a shift in Washington’s engagement.
A Different Tone
Diplomats noted the atmosphere between Trump and Zelenskyy was more cordial than in earlier encounters this year. Zelenskyy, who once openly clashed with Trump, struck a more formal and diplomatic tone, repeatedly thanking the U.S. president for his involvement.
For European leaders, the message was clear: any lasting peace must be shaped with Ukraine’s voice at the table—and with Europe standing firmly alongside it.
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