In a Bid to Counter Putin, European Leaders Join Zelenskyy for D.C. Talks

In a significant diplomatic move, a coalition of European leaders is set to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a critical meeting in Washington, D.C. with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their visit is a direct response to Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which the U.S. President described as a source of “big progress” on Russia. The leaders are seeking to counter any potential peace deal that would be unfavorable to Ukraine.
The three-hour summit in Alaska was the first time Putin had been on Western soil since the 2022 invasion. While no formal peace deal was announced, a U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that the leaders had agreed to “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine. Sources also reported that a controversial land-for-peace proposal was discussed, which would require Ukraine to cede eastern territory.
The European delegation accompanying Zelenskyy is a powerful show of solidarity, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights the importance of a collective European voice.
The purpose of this collective visit is to ensure that any peace deal is not rushed. The European and Ukrainian leaders are committed to a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, directly pushing back against any pressure to accept a swift but unfavorable settlement.