Volodymyr Zelensky will meet former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House later this week for an extraordinary gathering that also includes several European leaders. This rare move underscores Kyiv and its allies’ wish to present a united front against Washington as they search for clarity regarding its role in shaping Ukraine’s next phase of war.
According to officials in Brussels and Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Council President Charles Michel are scheduled to accompany Zelensky for talks. Their participation serves as a symbol of transatlantic solidarity at a time when uncertainty prevails regarding U.S. policy direction.
One senior EU diplomat noted, “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.” By standing together at Washington, EU diplomats want to demonstrate their collective commitment and expect the U.S. to remain fully engaged.
Trump Is Being Critiqued
Trump, who has often expressed displeasure with Ukraine’s “blank-check aid”, has pledged to pursue a deal to end the war if re-elected, unsettling both Kyiv and European capitals, where leaders fear U.S. pressure could force Ukraine into accepting terms that are less than favorable.
Diplomats say the joint meeting aims to assess President Donald Trump’s willingness to listen to allies’ concerns and ensure Ukraine’s future does not become the subject of bilateral talks alone. “This meeting isn’t about Ukraine alone — it is about Europe’s stability and NATO credibility.” noted one German official.
Zelensky’s Agenda
For Zelensky, his trip to Washington represents an opportunity to present Ukraine with long-term security guarantees, sustained military assistance and postwar reconstruction plans led by Western partners. Kyiv sources indicate that Zelensky will emphasize any settlement must include “ironclad guarantees” against Russia reescalating.
Ukrainian officials asserted, in response to international pressure for an immediate ceasefire without justice: ‘Ukraine will not succumb to pressure for unilateral peace without strength and unity.”
Stakes for Europe
For Europe, the White House meeting is of equal significance. The war has significantly altered security dynamics across the continent and forced unprecedented defense spending, not to mention intensified energy and economic concerns. European leaders hope their presence at this meeting can convince President Donald Trump of the necessity of continued transatlantic collaboration regardless of changes to Washington.
“Europe cannot afford for its response to be fragmented,” noted a Brussels-based analyst. Seeing Macron, Scholz and Michel standing alongside Zelensky sends out a powerful signal that Europe is united and Ukraine does not stand alone.”
Though expectations for breakthroughs remain modest, this meeting may help shape perceptions about how a future Trump administration might approach this conflict. According to observers, seeing Zelensky at the White House alongside some of Europe’s most powerful leaders was as crucial as what was discussed there.
“Symbolism matters,” explained an analyst, “as it communicates to both Moscow and Washington that Europe will remain part of their security planning decisions.”