European leaders are set to bolster Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during critical talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this week, as global powers navigate competing visions for ending the Ukraine conflict. The meeting follows Trump's recent alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their Alaska summit, where both leaders emphasized pursuing a peace deal over temporary ceasefires.
Trump has urged Kyiv to accelerate negotiations, stating on social media that "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA" is imminent. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that without swift resolution, "people will continue to die by the thousands," while maintaining Washington's commitment to security assurances for Ukraine.
Key discussions will focus on the status of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and a proposed U.S.-backed security pact resembling NATO's Article 5 protections. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff revealed this potential arrangement – seen as an alternative to NATO membership – marks "the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reinforced EU support during a Brussels meeting with Zelenskyy, announcing plans for a 19th sanctions package against Russia in September. "Strong security guarantees are vital for both Ukraine and Europe," she stated, while welcoming U.S. commitments to Kyiv's defense.
The high-profile summit brings together German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other European leaders aiming to solidify transatlantic coordination. Their joint statement emphasized readiness to facilitate direct negotiations between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin – a diplomatic push that could redefine Eastern Europe's security architecture.
