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High-Stakes Diplomatic Meeting in Washington
A heavyweight European delegation including Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accompanies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to crucial talks with former US President Donald Trump today. The meeting addresses the ongoing war in Ukraine amid concerns about Europe's security architecture.
Unified Front Against Russian Aggression
French President Macron emphasized the strategic importance: "This concerns not just Ukraine's security but Europe's collective security." The delegation represents the 'coalition of the willing' - nations committed to Ukrainian sovereignty. Their presence aims to prevent a repeat of Trump and Zelensky's disastrous 2024 White House meeting that temporarily halted US military aid.
Diverging Peace Approaches
The talks occur amid fundamental disagreements:
- Ukraine and Europe demand sequenced resolution: ceasefire → security guarantees → territorial negotiations
- Trump advocates immediate peace agreement, potentially bypassing ceasefire
- Zelensky firmly rejects territorial concessions despite Russian demands for Donbas withdrawal
Putin's Reported Concessions
Following Trump's Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, US diplomats report potential Russian flexibility:
- Acceptance of Article 5-style security guarantees for Ukraine
- Concessions regarding five occupied regions (details unspecified)
- Recognition that Crimea remains disputed territory
Diplomatic Tightrope
European leaders face dual challenges: persuading Trump to distrust Putin's promises while maintaining Western unity. Finnish President Alexander Stubb's rapport with Trump becomes strategically valuable. The outcome could determine whether Ukraine receives sustained Western support or faces pressure to accept unfavorable terms.
