European leaders met at the White House to emphasize Ukraine’s security as vital for all of Europe. They expressed cautious optimism that US President Donald Trump might advance his campaign pledge to end Russia’s invasion. Leaders from France, Germany, Finland, Italy, and the UK, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte, showed a united stance with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the talks as “real progress” with a “real sense of unity.” Ursula von der Leyen said all parties are cooperating to build “a lasting and durable peace.”
Discussions on Ceasefire and Pressure on Russia
European leaders praised Trump for committing to Ukraine’s security guarantees but kept temporary ceasefire talks open. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the path to stopping fighting is open but future steps remain complicated. He admitted he had doubts beforehand but said the outcome exceeded his expectations. Merz urged the world to pressure Russia and expressed hope for a ceasefire. Trump stayed noncommittal, saying, “If we can do the ceasefire, great,” and indicated it was not a critical demand. After meeting Putin, Trump dropped calls for an immediate ceasefire and shifted focus toward achieving a final peace settlement, aligning more closely with Putin’s position.
Planning Trilateral Talks and Security Guarantees
French President Emmanuel Macron called the US commitment to work on Ukraine’s security guarantees the meeting’s key result. Macron confirmed plans for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy soon and a trilateral meeting including Trump within weeks. He expressed doubt about Putin’s willingness to stop the war. Merz emphasized thorough preparation for any talks and confirmed coordination with Zelenskyy. He said Europe and the US must decide who participates in security guarantees and to what extent. Merz stressed that Ukraine’s security affects all of Europe, not just its territory. He said it is too early to decide on German peacekeeping troops. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed Ukraine’s membership is off the table but said leaders discuss “Article 5-style security guarantees.” Article 5 treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Leaders will finalize US involvement details soon, giving Zelenskyy clarity on Ukraine’s safety under any peace deal.
