Six European Leaders Conclude Talks with Zelenskyy at the White House
During their visit to the White House on Monday, six European leaders and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were bracing for potentially grim discussions, yet they left without the expected reprimands or threats regarding Ukraine’s support, reports 24brussels.
However, the outcome was thin on substance.
There remains a lack of clarity surrounding potential security guarantees for Ukraine, no indication of a ceasefire, and growing skepticism regarding the feasibility of a summit between President Putin and President Zelenskyy.
Key Insights
The European delegation arrived in Washington with a palpable sense of unease, concerned about a possible confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyy. Contrary to their fears, the discussions were relatively decorous by Trump’s standards.
The optics of the meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and the six European leaders suggested a well-planned approach by the Europeans, who appeared to understand the nuances of engaging with Trump.
European leaders had three primary goals for their trip: ensuring the survival of President Zelenskyy, countering Putin’s demands stemming from the recent talks in Alaska, and clarifying what Western security guarantees could realistically be offered to Ukraine.
Discussions predominantly revolved around preparations for a potential trilateral summit involving Russia, Ukraine, and possibly Trump, as well as the concept of security guarantees.
Reportedly, Ukraine attempted to gain favor with Trump by pledging to procure $100 billion worth of U.S.-manufactured weapons financed by European partners, in hopes of securing U.S. commitments to military support, according to a report in the Financial Times.
However, it appears that territorial concessions were not on the table during discussions.
What Was Lacking
Concrete agreements were notably absent.
Although European leaders felt some relief that Trump seemed to affirm the notion of Western security guarantees, the specifics of such guarantees remain ambiguous. European officials noted that details will need to be hashed out in the upcoming weeks.
Whether a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will materialize remains uncertain. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb remarked to CNN that Trump’s decision to contact Putin during the meeting was a “coordinated” effort with European leaders and Kyiv, aimed at gauging the potential for a summit.
The leaders suggested that such a meeting might occur within two to three weeks, according to several participants.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that discussions are ongoing to facilitate a meeting, while French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Geneva as a potential neutral venue.
A point firmly emphasized by European leaders in their post-meeting statements was their desire for Trump’s assistance in securing a ceasefire prior to any further engagement.
Nonetheless, Trump expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of a ceasefire, stating on Monday, “I don’t think you need a ceasefire.”
This stance coincides with recent reports of Russia’s rapid territorial advances in Ukraine, which show no signs of abating.
Looking Ahead
European Union leaders will convene virtually on Tuesday at 1 PM Brussels time to strategize on the next steps regarding security guarantees for Ukraine following the discussions in Washington.
Multiple European officials indicated that a series of meetings among member nations and national security advisors could ensue in the coming days to refine the European proposal for Trump.
Moreover, another virtual meeting between European leaders and Trump could take place as soon as Tuesday or later this week.
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