The aftermath of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska has opened a new chapter of diplomacy, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a coalition of European leaders are heading to Washington, D.C., for a critical meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their mission is to ensure that any peace deal on Ukraine is a just and lasting one, following Trump’s claim of having made “big progress” with Russia.
The three-hour summit was a historic event, marking Putin’s first time on Western soil since the 2022 invasion. A U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that the leaders had agreed to “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine, which he called “game-changing.” Sources also reported that a controversial land-for-peace proposal was discussed.
The delegation accompanying Zelenskyy is a powerful signal of solidarity, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also highlights the importance of a unified European voice.
The purpose of the Washington meeting is to ensure that the peace process is not rushed. The leaders are advocating for a resolution that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, directly pushing back against any pressure to accept a quick settlement that benefits Russia.