As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, experts anticipate potential tensions reminiscent of their previous encounter. European leaders, including Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, are strategizing to support Zelensky, emphasizing security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting could influence international relations, particularly with Russia.
Zelensky and Trump's Upcoming Meeting: Potential for Renewed Tensions
Zelensky and Trump's Upcoming Meeting: Potential for Renewed Tensions
Their last meeting in the Oval Office was a diplomatic meltdown. As Trump welcomes Zelensky to the White House on Monday, it's not impossible for another clash to occur, according to Jakob Hedenskog from the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.
– It could be a suitable way for Trump to blame Zelensky and Ukraine.
The world watched as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and the U.S.'s Donald Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, clashed in the Oval Office six months ago.
– You're gambling with a third world war. And what you're doing is very disrespectful to this country, a country that has supported you much more than many thought they should have, Trump thundered.
He later wrote on Truth Social that Zelensky is welcome back when he is "ready for peace."
Now the time has come.
On Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington DC.
The March clash was a deliberate provocation from Trump and Vance, according to Jakob Hedenskog, an Eastern Europe analyst at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs. He doesn't think it's impossible for something similar to happen again.
– It could be a suitable way for Trump to blame Zelensky and Ukraine, claiming they are unreasonable and unwilling to cooperate. This would open up the possibility of normalizing relations with Russia and, yes, openly choosing Russia's side.
Major Meeting in Washington
On Sunday, several European leaders will hold a digital meeting to discuss strategy ahead of Zelensky's Monday meeting with Trump. Among those participating is Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M).
Several of them will then travel to Washington to attend the summit. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be there and writes on X that several other European top names will accompany her.
According to Politico, there are plans for Finland's President Alexander Stubb to participate to "prevent potential conflicts between Trump and Zelensky."
NATO Chief Mark Rutte is also set to travel to Washington, Politico reports.
Zelensky's Potential Demands
Previously, European leaders have highlighted demands for "ironclad" security guarantees for Ukraine as a condition for a potential peace agreement.
Such security guarantees are likely to be emphasized by Zelensky during the meeting with Trump, believes Jakob Hedenskog.
– Ceasefire, security guarantees, and accepting the current frontline as a de facto border. I think these are conditions Zelensky could agree to, he says.
Freezing the frontline is something Putin has also proposed as a demand, which would mean Russia gains control over many areas it already occupies. However, Hedenskog does not believe Ukraine would recognize these areas as Russian.
Zelensky has toned down demands for a ceasefire in recent days after Trump stated that one is not needed. Instead, the American president suggests going directly to a peace agreement.
– I'm not so sure Zelensky has let that go. I absolutely believe a ceasefire is something he will present and emphasize in tomorrow's meeting, says Jakob Hedenskog.