Zelensky Heads To Washington With Strong European Backing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, accompanied by a high-profile delegation of European leaders.

The talks come about the growing concerns that Trump may urge Kyiv to accept Moscow’s conditions to end the ongoing war.

Trump signalled the significance of the meeting in a post on his Truth Social platform, declaring, “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honour to host them!”

The leaders travelling with Zelensky include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Their presence highlights Europe’s determination to stand firmly with Ukraine as Trump continues to signal that a swift resolution is possible only if Kyiv concedes on key Russian demands.

European officials fear that the White House discussions may become a platform for Trump to press Zelensky to accept conditions voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at their summit in Alaska last week.

Those conditions include Ukraine relinquishing Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and permanently abandoning ambitions of joining NATO.

While Trump insists that such terms could end the war almost immediately, European leaders have voiced concern that conceding to Moscow would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and set a dangerous precedent.

Macron Warns Against Weakness

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed on Sunday that the objective of the Washington talks was to project unity.

“If we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflicts,” Macron said.

He further added that Ukraine’s allies, who held a preparatory ‘coalition of the willing’ video conference before departing for Washington, want a ‘strong and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity’.

Berlin outlined that the agenda will centre on security guarantees for Kyiv, territorial questions, and continued military support.

“This includes maintaining pressure on sanctions,” the German government said in a statement.

European leaders also want clarity on Russia’s possible concessions and on Washington’s role in providing Ukraine with lasting security guarantees.

Despite European unease, Trump has been vocal in urging Zelensky to bring the conflict to a close.

Repeating his stance on Sunday, he wrote, “President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.”

He further added, “No getting back Obama, given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!) and no going into NATO by Ukraine. Some things never change!”

Also Read: US President Trump Says Zelensky Can End Ukraine War ‘Almost Immediately’