European leaders gathered at the White House and projected unity on Ukraine’s security. They stressed that the conflict affects Europe’s entire stability, not just Ukraine’s survival. After talks, leaders voiced cautious optimism that President Donald Trump could gain momentum in fulfilling his campaign pledge to end Russia’s invasion. Leaders from France, Germany, Finland, Italy, the UK, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stood together with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared “real progress” and a clear sense of unity. Von der Leyen emphasized that all parties now work together for “a lasting and durable peace.”
Praise for Trump, Yet Uncertainty Remains
European leaders applauded Trump for backing security guarantees for Ukraine but also hinted that a temporary ceasefire remains possible. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said “the path is open now” to halting the war, though the next steps look complicated. Merz admitted he doubted such progress, saying his expectations were exceeded. He called for stronger pressure on Russia and expressed hope for a ceasefire. Trump adopted a cautious stance, remarking, “If we can do the ceasefire, great,” while downplaying it as a requirement. After meeting Putin on Friday, Trump shifted his position, dropping demands for an immediate ceasefire and instead aiming for a final peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, a stance closer to Putin’s preference.
Push for Security Guarantees and Future Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron said the most crucial outcome was the US commitment to cooperate on Ukraine’s security guarantees. Macron announced that leaders support a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy “in the coming days” and a trilateral one with Trump “within two to three weeks.” He voiced doubts about Putin’s willingness to end the war. Merz stressed that such talks require careful preparation and must involve Zelenskyy. He insisted all of Europe should join in providing security guarantees, because the issue concerns Europe’s political order as much as Ukraine’s sovereignty. When asked about German peacekeeping troops, Merz said it was too soon to decide. NATO’s Mark Rutte confirmed that membership is not on the table but said leaders are considering “Article 5 kind of security guarantees” for Ukraine. He explained that details of US involvement will emerge in the coming days, giving Zelenskyy clarity on whether Ukrainians can feel safe under a peace deal.
