European leaders are set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes against the backdrop of inconclusive ceasefire talks held in Alaska on Friday between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump, speaking after his return from Alaska, argued that it would be preferable to reach a comprehensive peace agreement rather than settle for an immediate ceasefire. He also told Putin that further negotiations would be necessary before any final agreement could be achieved. European allies, however, view Putin’s position as a strategy to expand Russia’s territorial control in Ukraine.
Participating in the Washington talks are British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubbs. Their presence underscores the importance Europe attaches to influencing the future course of the conflict.
On Saturday, Trump held a phone call with Zelensky and European leaders in which he indicated openness to Putin’s proposal to end the war if Ukraine agreed to cede Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin also demanded Kherson and Zaporizhia in exchange for halting Russian offensives. Trump promised that the United States would take necessary measures to guarantee Ukraine’s future security.
Meanwhile, hostilities have continued. Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone attacks on Sunday. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched more than 60 drones and Iskander missiles. In response, Ukraine deployed 46 drones targeting Russian border regions. The conflict’s toll remains severe, with five people killed in a Russian strike in Donetsk on Saturday.
Adding to the shifting dynamics, Trump confirmed he is considering long-term security guarantees for Ukraine after Putin rejected Washington’s request for a ceasefire. This represents a significant departure from Trump’s “America First” policy. White House sources said Putin’s unwillingness to compromise has forced a reconsideration of US strategy.
Under the emerging plan, the US would avoid deploying troops but would bolster Ukraine militarily by supplying weapons and advanced technology, following a model similar to US support for Israel. The proposal has sparked mixed international reactions, with some countries welcoming the shift and others expressing caution. Though no final decision has yet been made, the Alaska collapse signals a notable change in Trump’s approach to the war.
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