As Ukrainian President Zelensky visits the White House, he is accompanied by several EU leaders who are pressing for clarity on security guarantees from Trump. The meeting aims to address a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with European leaders emphasizing the need for strong security measures.
EU Leaders Demand Action Ahead of Trump and Zelensky's Meeting
EU Leaders Demand Action Ahead of Trump and Zelensky's Meeting
The last time Zelensky was at the White House, he faced criticism. This time, he is accompanied by several EU leaders. After multiple meetings on Sunday, they are directing their demands at Trump and the peace process.
On Monday, Zelensky will arrive at the White House to meet Trump.
At the top of the agenda is the peace agreement Trump wants to establish between Ukraine and Russia.
Since Trump's and Putin's meeting last Friday, the American envoy has stated that Putin might agree to a deal on security guarantees for Ukraine. These would be similar to those within NATO, without the country joining the defense alliance.
Zelensky: Seeking Answers
From the Ukrainian and European sides, the response is cautious. Zelensky wants to know what the security guarantees would actually entail. Does it involve troops on the ground and direct airspace protection?
"We need answers to these questions to understand what the security guarantees mean," says Zelensky.
He is accompanied to the White House by several European leaders, who gathered for crisis meetings in various configurations on Sunday.
"The deep concern in Europe over the consequences of Trump's collapse in Alaska is evident in the number of leaders rushing to Washington to support Zelensky. We've never seen anything like this," comments former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on X.
Kristersson: Maximize Pressure
Several leaders have also expressed their demands for the upcoming peace process led by Trump.
"The Swedish standpoint in this discussion is the importance of maximizing pressure on Russia," says Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in a statement, continuing:
"A bad peace, on Russia's terms, would jeopardize peace and security for us and other European democracies."
Macron: Instill Fear
For France's President Emmanuel Macron, the meeting is about defending European interests.
"We are going there tomorrow to defend Ukraine and defend ourselves. We must instill fear. To instill fear, we must be strong," he says.
He also demands answers about what Donald Trump's security guarantees mean in practice.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also had a clear message for Trump: A peace agreement must include security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe.
"These are issues to be decided by Ukraine and only Ukraine. Decisions cannot be made without Ukraine at the table," she said, adding that such negotiations must begin "as soon as possible," according to several media outlets.