Zelensky-Trump Meeting: – A major diplomatic push is underway as European leaders are set to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, in a bid to influence talks with United States President Donald Trump on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The high-profile visit comes just days after Trump appeared to drop his ceasefire push with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling instead that he prefers a direct peace agreement rather than temporary truces.
European Leaders Rally Behind Zelensky
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb are among the European leaders expected to accompany Zelensky on this crucial visit to the White House.
Before traveling to Washington, Zelensky will meet EU leaders in Brussels on August 16, following an invitation by von der Leyen. European governments have stressed their collective goal – to ensure Ukraine’s interests are not sidelined in any future peace deal with Moscow.
The German government confirmed Merz’s participation, stating that Europe’s priority remains “a swift and just peace in Ukraine.”
Trump Rules Out Ceasefire, Pushes for Direct Peace Deal
After his recent summit in Alaska with Vladimir Putin, Trump ruled out any immediate ceasefire, claiming that such agreements “often do not hold up.” Instead, he suggested that the “best way” to end the war is to “go directly to a peace agreement.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained that ceasefires only delay conflict, whereas a permanent peace deal would “end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine once and for all.”
However, critics argue this approach sidelines Ukraine’s position and may pressure Kyiv into concessions.
Russia’s Demands in Peace Negotiations
According to AFP sources, Trump has shown support for Putin’s proposal, which includes:
- Full control of Donetsk and Lugansk (Donbas region), already heavily occupied by Russia.
- Freezing the frontline in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Ukrainian forces still hold key cities.
In exchange, Russia has indicated it would halt its offensive in southern Ukraine.
Zelensky reacted cautiously, warning that Moscow’s refusal to even stop airstrikes raises doubts about its willingness to honor larger peace agreements. He stressed that Ukraine will not “give up Donbas” in any settlement.
European Push for Ceasefire Continues
Despite Trump’s stance, European leaders are pressing for at least a temporary ceasefire to stop civilian casualties and buy time for diplomacy. Von der Leyen emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) that Europe stands “united with Ukraine” and will continue exerting pressure on Russia.
French President Macron echoed this, noting that any sustainable peace must be “based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
White House Meeting: All Eyes on Zelensky and Trump
The diplomatic spotlight now shifts to the August 17 White House talks between Zelensky and Trump. Their last meeting in February ended in heated exchanges, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticizing Zelensky over “lack of gratitude” for U.S. military aid.
This time, the stakes are even higher. Trump has hinted that it is “up to President Zelensky to get it done,” signaling that the U.S. expects Ukraine to take the lead in negotiations with Russia.
War Rages On as Diplomacy Unfolds
While leaders prepare for talks in Washington, the battlefield remains active. On August 16, both Ukraine and Russia launched waves of attack drones at each other, underlining the urgent need for diplomacy.
From Moscow, Putin described his summit with Trump as “timely and very useful,” warning European nations against “behind-the-scenes intrigues” that could disrupt ongoing progress.
A Defining Moment for Ukraine’s Future
As European leaders join Zelensky in Washington, the world watches closely. With Trump pushing for a direct peace deal and Russia demanding territorial concessions, the path forward remains uncertain.
For Ukraine, the Washington talks could determine whether its sovereignty is defended through global unity – or compromised in the pursuit of quick diplomacy.