European leaders are set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington, aiming to bolster Zelenskiy’s position as Trump pushes for a swift peace deal in Ukraine, Europe’s deadliest conflict in 80 years.
Trump has been pressuring Zelenskiy to agree to negotiations following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump appeared more aligned with Moscow’s preference for a peace agreement over a ceasefire. A bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy is expected on Monday, followed by a larger session with European leaders.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the urgency, saying that without peace, thousands more could die. Trump also posted on social media that Zelenskiy could end the war “almost immediately” if he wished, implying that reclaiming Crimea or joining NATO might not be part of the deal. Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian officials have discussed proposals in which Russia would relinquish small areas of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv giving up some fortified eastern territories and freezing frontlines elsewhere. Russia has indicated any agreement must include security guarantees for Kyiv, while also expecting protections for itself.
Top U.S. officials hinted that Ukraine’s Donbas region could be on the negotiating table, with possible defensive guarantees offered as an alternative to NATO membership. The plan, potentially modeled on NATO’s Article 5, would provide collective defense assurances without Ukraine formally joining the alliance.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, met to support Zelenskiy and secure strong security guarantees involving the U.S. They aim to prevent a repeat of Zelenskiy’s February Oval Office meeting, where he faced public criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also expected to join the Washington talks.
While the U.S. has proposed security guarantees, European allies insist that no territorial concessions should occur without Kyiv’s consent and measures to protect the rest of Ukraine. Some nations are calling for an immediate ceasefire, which Trump initially pushed for in Alaska but later set aside in favor of negotiations without halting hostilities—a stance criticized by Ukraine’s allies. A joint statement by Britain, France, and Germany affirmed readiness to deploy reassurance forces, help protect Ukraine’s airspace and seas, and assist in rebuilding its military capabilities once hostilities cease.
Zelenskiy confirmed on X that European leaders expressed clear support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, stating that any security guarantees must be practical and involve Europe. Rubio noted that both Russia and Ukraine would need to make concessions for peace, with consequences for Russia if talks fail.
Following the Alaska summit, Trump reportedly informed Zelenskiy that Putin offered to freeze most frontlines if Ukraine ceded Donetsk—a proposal Zelenskiy rejected. The upcoming Washington meeting is seen as a critical follow-up to evaluate potential movement toward a negotiated peace.
