David Awoyode
European heads of state are traveling to Washington to join President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of his tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The talks come after Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, revealed that Washington had pressured Russian President Vladimir Putin into accepting a “NATO-style” security framework for Ukraine.
Trump Envoy Hails ‘Article 5-like’ Security Pledge
In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Witkoff described the breakthrough as “game-changing,” claiming Ukraine would receive security guarantees comparable to NATO’s collective defense clause. He stressed that Russia agreed not to pursue further territorial expansion once a peace accord is codified.
European Allies Fear Repeat of February Confrontation
U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will be joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Washington. Their presence is aimed at preventing a repeat of Zelensky’s bruising Oval Office encounter with Trump earlier this year.
Putin’s Territorial Demands Raise Alarm
Reports suggest Putin is demanding full control over Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for peace. Zelensky, speaking in Brussels, countered that Ukraine’s constitution forbids territorial concessions. He stressed that discussions about land must be handled directly between Kyiv and Moscow in trilateral negotiations.
Ceasefire Seen as Gateway to Final Deal
The Ukrainian president reiterated that a ceasefire must precede any lasting settlement. “It’s important that Washington is with us,” he said, while noting Kyiv still lacked clarity on all of Putin’s demands from the Alaska summit.
Trump Defends Alaska Talks with Putin
The Anchorage summit between Trump and Putin drew criticism, with observers calling it a win for Moscow. Trump, however, dismissed the backlash on Truth Social, blasting the “fake news” for downplaying his efforts. He insisted he had made “a great meeting” to end what he called “Biden’s stupid war.”
Dispute Over Key Regions
Witkoff confirmed that five territories remain central to negotiations: Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. While Russia made limited concessions, Donetsk remains the most contentious issue. Zelensky dismissed claims of major Russian advances, asserting that Ukrainian forces were holding firm.
European Leaders Form Coalition of Support
Ahead of the White House talks, Western allies held a video conference hosted by Starmer, Macron, and Merz. Leaders from Italy, Finland, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed their participation in Washington.
Downing Street Pledges Long-Term Support
A spokesperson for No. 10 stressed that the U.K. and its allies “stand ready to support the next phase of peace talks” and will continue to back Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
