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European leaders and Zelensky to meet Trump in Washington
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday, August 17, that she, along with other European leaders, would visit Washington on Monday, August 18, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegation will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and broader geopolitical issues.
European support for Ukraine
During a joint press conference with Zelensky, von der Leyen emphasized that Ukraine must lead any territorial negotiations, reaffirming that decisions cannot be made without its direct involvement. She reiterated Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine until a "just and lasting peace" is achieved, adding that the European Union (EU) would maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. A potential 19th sanctions package against Moscow could be implemented as early as September.
Von der Leyen also welcomed Trump’s willingness to offer NATO-style "Article 5" security guarantees to Ukraine, stating that Europe, as part of the coalition of allies, was prepared to contribute to these efforts. Article 5 is NATO’s principle of collective defense, which views an attack on one member as an attack on all.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, mentioned during an interview with CNN that the U.S. and several European nations might provide Ukraine with security assurances akin to NATO’s Article 5.
A united European front
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and leaders from Finland and the UK have confirmed their participation in Monday’s meeting. Macron highlighted the importance of bolstering coordination between the U.S. and Europe, while Merz expressed Germany’s intention to address Ukraine’s security guarantees, territorial issues, and ongoing peace initiatives.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend the talks. The meeting marks a significant moment of transatlantic collaboration as Europe and the U.S. seek to align their strategies amid the prolonged conflict.
Recent talks between Trump and Putin
The summit follows unsuccessful talks between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15. The three-hour discussion, focusing on Ukraine and bilateral relations, ended without any agreements, leaving tensions unresolved.