European Leaders Join Zelenskyy for Washington Talks with Trump
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, it was confirmed that a number of top European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. The purpose of this coordinated effort is to present a united front and address the future of the war in Ukraine. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 18.
Background of the Meeting:
Trump-Putin Summit: The Washington talks were arranged after a recent summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, which took place on August 15.
No Ceasefire: The Alaska summit ended without a formal agreement on a ceasefire. While both leaders described the meeting as "productive," no concrete deal was announced. Instead, reports suggest that Trump shifted his focus from an immediate ceasefire to brokering a "peace deal."
Concession from Putin: A U.S. Special Envoy stated that a key outcome of the Alaska talks was a concession from Putin to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee "resembling NATO's collective defense mandate" as part of a final deal. This marks a potential shift in Russia's long-held opposition to Ukraine's security alliances.
Purpose of the Washington Meeting:
Preventing a "Railroaded" Deal: European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will join Zelenskyy at his request. Their presence is seen as an effort to ensure that Ukraine's interests are not sidelined in any potential peace plan. European officials want to make it clear that any decision on territorial issues must be made by Ukraine.
Pushback on Ceding Territory: Reports from the New York Times indicate that after his meeting with Putin, Trump suggested to European leaders that a peace deal could be negotiated if Ukraine agreed to cede territory. The European leaders' joint attendance is a pushback against this idea.
Security Guarantees: A primary topic of discussion will be a U.S.-backed security guarantee for Ukraine. European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have welcomed the prospect of an "Article 5-like" security guarantee and have stressed the need for Europe to be actively involved in any agreement.
