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Washington, D.C. — August 18, 2025
In a coordinated show of transatlantic solidarity, several prominent European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday 17th, Aug 2025 for a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The delegation includes:
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
The meeting follows President Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where preliminary discussions reportedly touched on ceasefire terms and territorial concessions involving Ukraine’s Donbas region. Notably, Zelenskyy was not invited to that summit, prompting concern among European capitals about the direction of U.S.-Russia negotiations.
European Commission President von der Leyen confirmed her participation via social media, stating:
“At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.”
The presence of European leaders is widely interpreted as a strategic move to ensure Ukraine is not sidelined in any potential peace negotiations and to reinforce Europe’s unified stance on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
German Chancellor Merz emphasized the importance of the meeting, noting that leaders will exchange views on peace efforts, security guarantees, and long-term support for Ukraine.
This gathering marks a critical moment in the international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with diplomatic stakes high and global attention focused on Washington.
President Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen Picture by belganewsagency
