A Unified Front for Ukraine
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to join a group of European leaders in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. This gathering aims to present a united front with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on ensuring that Ukraine does not have to surrender territory to Russia as part of any peace agreement.
The meeting includes several key political figures from across Europe. France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb are all expected to attend. Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be present.
The Potential Terms of Peace
Zelensky is anticipated to face pressure from Trump to accept full Russian control over Donetsk and Luhansk, two mineral-rich regions currently under Russian occupation. In exchange, Putin would reportedly withdraw his forces from other parts of Ukraine and agree to a NATO-like guarantee for Ukraine’s security.
Despite these demands, European leaders have emphasized that the decision on how to end the war must ultimately rest with Ukraine. They have also praised Zelensky for his commitment to achieving a “just and lasting” peace.
Shifts in U.S. Position
Trump has reportedly shifted his stance on a ceasefire following a recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. While he previously called for an immediate ceasefire, he now appears more focused on securing a long-term peace deal. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that such a deal is still “a long ways off.”
Rubio also mentioned that there could be “additional consequences” for Russia if it refuses to engage in peace talks, though he suggested that new financial sanctions may not be effective in compelling Putin to negotiate.
The Importance of Ceasefire
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, stated during a press conference that both a ceasefire and a peace deal would serve the same purpose: to stop the killing. Zelensky appeared to agree with this sentiment but expressed a preference for a ceasefire first, stating that it is impossible to negotiate under the pressure of ongoing violence.
Security Guarantees and Coalition Support
European leaders are keen to hear from Trump regarding his potential support for a coalition aimed at deterring future Russian aggression once peace is achieved. This coalition, which includes several European nations, has argued that it needs American backing—likely in the form of air support—to be successful.
During a recent meeting of the coalition, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Trump’s openness to providing a security guarantee, although details of the support remained unclear. A spokesperson from Downing Street noted that Starmer praised Zelensky’s desire for a “just and lasting peace” and highlighted the coalition’s continued support for Ukraine.
Focus on Military Support
France’s President Macron has indicated that the European delegation will ask Trump to back plans to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces. This focus on military assistance reflects the broader goal of ensuring that Ukraine remains capable of defending itself against future threats.
Lessons from the Past
Before their meeting with Trump, the European leaders will likely keep in mind the previous visit by Zelensky to the White House in February. That visit was marked by a public disagreement between Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance, who accused the Ukrainian leader of not being sufficiently grateful to the U.S. This incident led to a temporary halt in American aid to Ukraine.
As the leaders prepare for their discussions, they will undoubtedly seek to avoid similar tensions while working toward a coordinated and effective approach to supporting Ukraine.
