A high-powered delegation of European leaders is converging on Washington D.C. to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump. This unprecedented show of unity is a direct response to Trump’s recent solo diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and his subsequent claim of “big progress.” The goal of the visit is to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is heard and that any peace deal is not decided without its full participation and that of its allies.
The three-hour summit between Trump and Putin has created a sense of unease in European capitals. While US envoy Steve Witkoff has spoken of “game-changing” “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine, the lack of public detail from the White House has led to concerns that a deal could be struck that undermines Ukraine’s long-term security. The European leaders are determined to get clarity on what was discussed and to lay down their own red lines.
Adding to the tension are reports that the Trump-Putin talks included a discussion of a “land for peace” deal. This proposal, which would see Ukraine cede a fortified eastern region to Russia in exchange for the return of smaller occupied territories, is a major point of contention. European leaders are united in their belief that borders cannot be changed by force and will argue against any such arrangement.
The presence of figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is a clear message to the Trump administration. It signals that Europe is committed to a just peace and will not allow Ukraine to be pressured into an unfavorable deal. The meeting will be a defining moment for the Western alliance, as it seeks to navigate a complex path to end the war while maintaining its unity and principles.