Will European Leaders Stand Behind Zelensky During Meeting with Trump?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zelensky's visit to Washington is backed by top European leaders.
- The meeting aims to address the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Concerns exist about potential pressure on Ukraine from the U.S.
- European leaders seek clarity on security guarantees.
- Trump has emphasized a quick resolution to the war.
Washington, Aug 18 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be in Washington on Monday, receiving robust support from leading European leaders during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
This significant gathering is expected to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the increasing pressure on Kyiv to concede to Moscow's terms for peace.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, "It's a big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. It’s my great honor to host them!"
Among the leaders joining Zelensky are German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
There are apprehensions among European officials that the White House discussions could serve as a platform for Trump to urge Zelensky to consider the concessions proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during their recent summit in Alaska.
These proposals include Ukraine renouncing its claim to Crimea and agreeing to forgo future NATO membership.
European leaders are eager to clarify what Russia may offer in terms of concessions during potential peace negotiations, and to gain a better understanding of Washington's involvement in any forthcoming security assurances for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the purpose of the Washington meeting is to demonstrate a unified stance. "Demonstrating weakness today in front of Russia sets the stage for future conflicts," Macron asserted.
He added that Kyiv's allies, who participated in a "coalition of the willing" video conference prior to their trip to Washington, seek a robust and enduring peace that acknowledges Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The German government, in its communication regarding the visit, highlighted that the agenda will cover security guarantees, territorial issues, and ongoing support for Ukraine's defense.
"This includes sustaining pressure through sanctions," the statement noted.
However, Trump has consistently voiced his belief that Zelensky should expedite an end to the conflict.
On Sunday, he reiterated via Truth Social, "President Zelensky of Ukraine can conclude the war with Russia almost instantly if he chooses to, or he can choose to keep fighting."
"There’s no reclaiming Obama's Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!)... and no NATO membership for Ukraine. Some things remain unchanged!" he stated.