Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington Monday with top European leaders to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in a critical effort to end Russia’s war. The gathering highlights a rare display of unity among Europe’s most powerful political figures to protect Ukraine and the continent from further Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy’s delegation includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Their presence signals a coordinated push to influence U.S. policy and secure Ukraine’s security guarantees.
The meeting comes a week after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin without European allies. Zelenskyy and his delegation hope to prevent diplomatic missteps, recalling Zelenskyy’s February visit to the Oval Office, which became tense over U.S. aid and perceived gratitude. This visit aims to show a united front and strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for lasting peace in a statement before the meeting, noting that a durable resolution must not repeat the mistakes made after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and seized part of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. “Peace must be lasting, not as it was eight years ago when Russia used Crimea as a springboard for a new attack,” he said.
On the eve of the meeting, Trump suggested that Zelenskyy could end the war quickly by accepting concessions, including the permanent loss of Crimea and limits on Ukraine joining NATO. Trump wrote on social media that Ukraine could end the conflict almost immediately if it chose, adding that some issues, like Crimea, “never change.”
U.S. officials are exploring NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine to make peace sustainable. Trump’s team has suggested that Putin may accept a defensive commitment from allies without allowing Ukraine full NATO membership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said such guarantees would represent a significant shift and that discussions could take six to seven hours or more to reach a concrete plan.
European leaders are pressing for strong security assurances and continued military support for Ukraine. Macron stressed that demonstrating Europe’s resolve is vital to deter Russia and prevent future conflicts. “If we are weak with Russia today, we’ll be preparing the conflicts of tomorrow. They can impact Ukrainians and us too,” he said.
The Alaska summit earlier set preliminary discussions for ending the war, though details remain uncertain. Trump has indicated that a ceasefire is not required for negotiations to continue, aligning with Putin’s position. European leaders are focused on ensuring that any agreement does not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy faces the challenge of navigating pressure from both Russia and the U.S. while maintaining credibility among European allies. Ukrainian officials say he will avoid accepting maximalist Russian demands on Donbas, which he has repeatedly rejected as unconstitutional and dangerous. Diplomatic tact is expected to guide Zelenskyy through complex negotiations, including potential trilateral discussions with Trump and Putin.
After previous tense encounters in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy has worked to repair relations with the U.S., including a brief meeting at the Vatican in April. The current session aims to consolidate European support and secure security guarantees that ensure Ukraine’s defense and long-term peace.
Monday’s meeting is a critical test for Zelenskyy and the European delegation. Their united presence seeks to reinforce Ukraine’s position, safeguard European security, and demonstrate to Russia that aggressive moves will face a coordinated international response.
