In an unprecedented display of unity, a powerful delegation of European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, D.C. The move is a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump claimed had made “big progress” on Russia. The delegation is aiming to influence the direction of peace talks and ensure Ukraine’s interests are protected.
The three-hour summit in Alaska, a historic event as it marked Putin’s first time on Western soil since the invasion, was described as “game-changing” by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who cited an agreement on “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine. Sources also reported that the leaders discussed a controversial peace proposal involving a land swap.
The presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is a strong signal of European resolve. Their collective visit to Washington demonstrates their commitment to a unified approach to the Ukraine conflict.
The mission of this high-level delegation is to ensure that any peace deal is not hastily concluded. They are focused on achieving a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is not a mere cessation of hostilities that benefits Russia. The leaders are determined to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is central to the negotiations.