European leaders met at the White House to coordinate security plans for Ukraine and emphasize its continental significance. 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, joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte, presented a united front with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the meeting as progress with a “real sense of unity.” Ursula von der Leyen emphasized collaborative efforts to achieve “a lasting and durable peace.”
Security Guarantees and Ceasefire Talks
European leaders praised Trump’s commitment to security guarantees for Ukraine but left open the possibility of a temporary ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the path toward halting the fighting now exists, though further steps remain complicated. He admitted he had doubted the outcome but said the meeting exceeded his expectations. Merz urged leaders to pressure Russia and expressed hope for a ceasefire. Trump remained noncommittal, stating, “If we can do the ceasefire, great,” while signaling it was not essential. After meeting Putin, Trump dropped his demand for an immediate ceasefire and prioritized securing a final peace settlement.
Planning Future Talks and Guarantees
French President Emmanuel Macron called the US commitment to security guarantees the most important outcome. He said leaders plan a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy within days and a trilateral meeting including Trump in two to three weeks. Macron doubted Putin’s willingness to end the war. Merz stressed careful preparation for these meetings with Zelenskyy and highlighted that Europe must fully participate in security guarantees. He added that the issue concerns Europe’s political order, not just Ukraine’s territory. On German peacekeeping troops, Merz said it was too early to decide. NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed leaders discuss “Article 5 kind of security guarantees” but not membership. Officials said the US and Europe will finalize details soon, giving Zelenskyy clarity on Ukraine’s safety under any peace settlement.
