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High-Stakes Diplomatic Mission to Washington
A high-level European delegation will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington for critical talks with US President Donald Trump regarding the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes after Trump's recent Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Diplomatic Frontline
The delegation includes German Chancellor Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. They represent what European Editor Chris Ostendorf calls a "diplomatic frontline" aiming to realign Trump's position on Ukraine.
Security Guarantees and Concessions
Von der Leyen announced new EU sanctions targeting Russia's war economy, stating: "We will support Ukraine as long as necessary." US diplomat Witkoff revealed Putin agreed to security guarantees resembling NATO's Article 5 for Ukraine, though NATO membership remains off the table. Russia also offered unspecified concessions on five Ukrainian regions.
Negotiation Challenges
The talks face significant hurdles. Russia demands Ukraine's demilitarization and full control of Donbas - conditions Zelensky rejects. Von der Leyen emphasized that "international borders cannot change through military force," affirming Ukraine's sovereignty over its territory and future decisions.
