European leaders met at the White House and highlighted Ukraine’s security as essential for all of Europe, not only 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, showed solidarity with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the talks as “real progress” and a “real sense of unity.” Ursula von der Leyen said all parties work together toward “a lasting and durable peace.”
Balancing Praise with Ceasefire Discussions
European leaders praised Trump’s pledge to guarantee Ukraine’s security but left room for a temporary ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the path to halting the fighting opened, though next steps remain complex. He admitted uncertainty beforehand but said the outcome exceeded expectations. Merz urged pressuring Russia and expressed hope for a ceasefire. Trump remained noncommittal, stating, “If we can do the ceasefire, great,” while signaling it is not essential. After meeting Putin, Trump dropped his immediate ceasefire demand and shifted toward securing a final peace settlement, aligning more with Putin’s position.
Planning Trilateral Talks and Security Guarantees
French President Emmanuel Macron called the US commitment to security guarantees the meeting’s key result. He said leaders plan a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy within days and a trilateral meeting with Trump within weeks. Macron expressed strong doubts about Putin’s willingness to stop the war. Merz stressed that the talks must be well-prepared and confirmed work with Zelenskyy on arrangements. He said Europeans and Americans must decide who joins security guarantees and their scope, emphasizing full European participation. He added that the issue affects Europe’s political order, not just Ukraine’s territory. Regarding German peacekeeping troops, Merz said it is too early to decide. NATO chief Mark Rutte explained that Ukraine’s membership is off the table but confirmed discussions on “Article 5-style security guarantees,” which treat an attack on one member as an attack on all. Leaders said US involvement details will emerge soon, giving Zelenskyy clarity to ensure Ukrainians’ safety under any peace deal.
