The gathering brings together key leaders to address changing U.S. strategies on a peace agreement with Russia.
**Trump and Zelensky to Meet with European Leaders Amid War Concerns**

**Trump and Zelensky to Meet with European Leaders Amid War Concerns**
European leaders join Zelensky in a crucial meeting with Trump as Ukraine war discussions intensify.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, accompanied by notable European leaders. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will all be in attendance as concerns grow over Trump's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Trump's approach to the Ukraine war appears to pivot away from his earlier insistence on a ceasefire, opting instead for direct negotiations towards a permanent peace agreement. He previously emphasized a ceasefire as a critical step prior to his Alaska summit, but post-meeting described ceasefires as often ineffective and expressed a desire to skip directly to peace talks.
The European leaders, while cautious in their responses, are reportedly wary of potential pressure from Trump on Zelensky to consider the peace terms proposed by Putin, which would involve Ukraine relinquishing control over parts of the Donetsk region. Zelensky has consistently resisted any such concessions, emphasizing that they could lead to future threats from Russia.
Von der Leyen noted on X (formerly Twitter) that she would attend the meeting with Zelensky at his request, and other leaders quickly echoed her commitment to support Ukraine in this crucial diplomatic engagement. The historical tensions between Zelensky and Trump add nuance to this meeting, especially after their previous fallout in February, which saw Trump publicly critique Zelensky's approach to securing U.S. support.
The meeting aims to solidify European backing for Ukraine amidst shifting U.S. diplomatic strategies. As friends of Ukraine prepare for a complex discussion, the outcome could significantly impact the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape. Both sides are seeking a resolution that avoids continued violence while navigating the intricate demands of international relations with Russia. Zelensky has voiced the urgent need for a meaningful peace, asserting that true stability cannot merely be a temporary halt to hostilities.