The arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., alongside prominent European leaders, set the stage for crucial talks with US President Donald Trump aimed at ending the brutal war between Ukraine and Russia. These discussions at the White House carried immense geopolitical importance as Europe’s security faced a critical test amid ongoing conflict.

President Zelenskyy expressed his determination through social media upon reaching Washington, stating, “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation.” He emphasised a shared desire, declaring, “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting.” Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the United States and European allies. “Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” he said firmly.

A distinguished delegation of European leaders—French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte—joined Zelenskyy, highlighting the unity and stakes involved in seeking a peaceful resolution.

Trump’s Pressure and Preconditions

Before the talks began, President Trump posted on Truth Social making it clear that Ukraine must accept some of Russia’s key demands for peace. “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump stated. Emphasising the conditions, he 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!!!”

These remarks underscored Trump’s insistence that Ukraine must abandon its claims to Crimea and its ambition to join NATO as part of any peace deal. These points mirror Russian President Vladimir Putin’s red lines presented during their recent summit, placing Zelenskyy under notable pressure.

Complex Negotiations Amid Ongoing Conflict

Violence in Ukraine continued unabated even as the diplomatic efforts unfolded. Russian air strikes hit multiple cities, creating a sombre backdrop to the negotiations. Zelenskyy maintained that new security guarantees would have to be more effective than those failed in the past, referring to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The White House meeting followed Trump’s recent summit with Putin in Alaska, which was marked by symbolic gestures rather than concrete agreements. Though criticised by some for appearing too lenient towards Putin, the Trump administration insisted progress had been made on security arrangements, including a possible US-backed collective defence model for Ukraine—one independent of NATO membership.

European leaders voiced concerns about the possibility of Zelenskyy being forced into making unacceptable concessions. Their presence was vital not only to support Ukraine but also to ensure any peace terms honoured Ukraine’s sovereignty and did not undermine European security.

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