Trump Hosts Zelensky, European Leaders at White House for Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House along with a significant delegation of European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in a rare show of unified diplomatic support for Ukraine. The meetings follow Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump suggested a quick peace treaty involving territorial concessions to Russia, a position Zelenskyy opposes. European leaders aim to ensure that Ukraine receives strong security guarantees and sufficient sanctions pressure on Russia, fearing Trump might push Zelenskyy toward an unfavorable deal, especially regarding issues like Ukraine’s potential NATO membership and the status of Crimea. Trump has publicly ruled out Ukraine joining NATO or reclaiming Crimea, framing the conflict’s resolution as Zelenskyy’s responsibility if he wants to end the war. While there is cautious optimism about progressing peace talks, the discussions remain complex, with Trump emphasizing that no deal is final until all parties agree, and European leaders acting as a diplomatic counterbalance to Trump’s approach. This high-stakes diplomatic event underscores the divergent views between the U.S. administration and its European allies on how best to secure peace and stability in the region.