Will European Leaders Support Zelensky at Oval Office Meeting with Trump?

New York, Aug 18 (NationPress) European leaders are set to show their support for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to the Oval Office on Monday. This meeting will focus on establishing peace amid the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, following the summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Among the dignitaries joining Zelensky are France's President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen.

Chancellor Merz expressed on Sunday via X, "The Europeans will play a role in this: We will prepare it together."

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the discussions between Trump and Putin in Alaska, shared his perspective on an NBC news segment, stating, "The only way to reach a deal is for each side to get something and each side to give something."

Following Trump's decision to retract his demand for a ceasefire in Ukraine, which the European leaders had previously agreed upon, there is a collective effort to ensure that Zelensky is not pressured into making territorial concessions by a dominant Trump.

In a previous Oval Office meeting in February, Trump criticized Zelensky for pushing for a peace agreement, claiming he did not "have the cards" and warning of the potential for World War III.

Rubio refuted claims that the European leaders were coming solely to protect Zelensky from bullying, labeling it a "stupid media narrative", and emphasized, "The President invited them to come."

Both Trump and Rubio acknowledged that it is ultimately Zelensky who holds the power to make decisions regarding the peace deal.

Merz stated, "There are no territorial negotiations between Putin and Trump over the heads of Ukraine and the Europeans. That is good news."

After conferring with European leaders, Zelensky remarked on X, "Today in Brussels, I outlined our positions on Transatlantic unity, peace efforts, territorial issues, and security guarantees, including Ukraine's (right to) EU accession."

He stressed the need for Europe to maintain the unity it showcased in 2022, remarking that this strong alliance is vital for achieving genuine peace.

Zelensky affirmed, "There is clear support for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty."

He stated, "Everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force" and highlighted that crucial issues should be resolved with Ukraine's involvement in a trilateral format involving the US and Russia.

He also recognized a significant concession made by Trump, wherein Putin offered a security guarantee that would include US participation.

Zelensky remarked, "This is a historic decision that the United States is ready to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine," which he noted must be developed with European input and encompass land, sea, and air.

Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, present at the summit, told CNN, "We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing."

He further stated that Putin had committed to enacting legislation ensuring that Russia would not invade Ukraine or any other nations.