European leaders met at the White House and highlighted Ukraine’s security as critical for Europe, not just Ukraine. They expressed cautious optimism that US President Donald Trump could advance his campaign promise to end Russia’s invasion. Leaders from France, Germany, Finland, Italy, and the UK, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte, stood united with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the meeting for “real progress” and a “real sense of unity.” Ursula von der Leyen stressed that all parties collaborate toward “a lasting and durable peace.”
Security Guarantees and Ceasefire Prospects
European leaders commended Trump for pledging security guarantees to Ukraine while leaving temporary ceasefire discussions open. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the path toward stopping the fighting exists, though next steps remain complicated. He admitted he had doubts before the meeting but said the results exceeded his expectations. Merz called for increased pressure on Russia and expressed hope for a ceasefire. Trump offered no firm commitment, saying, “If we can do the ceasefire, great,” but framed it as nonessential. After meeting Putin, Trump abandoned his immediate ceasefire demand and shifted to seeking a final peace agreement, aligning with Putin’s preference.
Planning Trilateral Talks and Defining Guarantees
French President Emmanuel Macron called the US commitment to provide security guarantees the meeting’s most significant outcome. Macron said leaders aim to hold a bilateral Putin-Zelenskyy meeting within days and a trilateral meeting with Trump in two to three weeks. He voiced serious doubt about Putin’s willingness to stop the war. Merz emphasized careful preparation with Zelenskyy and said he cannot predict the meeting’s outcome. He highlighted the need for European and American coordination on participation in security guarantees. Merz insisted the issue concerns Europe’s political order, not only Ukraine’s territory. On German peacekeeping troops, he said it was too early to decide. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed Ukraine’s membership is off the table but said leaders discuss “Article 5-style security guarantees.” Article 5 treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, anchoring transatlantic defense. Officials said US involvement details will emerge soon, giving Zelenskyy clarity to ensure Ukrainian safety under any peace deal.
