The secretive meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has sent shockwaves through European capitals, prompting a high-stakes mission to Washington. Leaders from France, the UK, and Germany are joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of force, aiming to counter any potential peace deal that might be unfavorable to Ukraine. Trump’s social media post about “big progress” has only intensified the urgency of their visit.
While the Trump administration has hinted at a “game-changing” agreement on “robust security guarantees,” the lack of public detail has left European leaders concerned. The reports of a “land-for-peace” proposal—where Ukraine would cede a fortified eastern region in exchange for the return of smaller territories—have further fueled their fears. European leaders are determined to ensure that Ukraine is not pressured into a settlement that rewards Russian aggression and undermines its territorial integrity.
The upcoming meeting in Washington is a test of diplomatic unity. The European delegation, which includes French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is united in its commitment to a just peace. Their presence alongside Zelenskyy is a powerful signal that the transatlantic alliance will speak with one voice and that any resolution must be based on international law.
The stakes are high. The outcome of the talks will not only determine the next steps in the conflict but will also redefine the relationship between the US and its European allies. The meeting is a chance to reset the diplomatic approach and to forge a common strategy for ending the war in Ukraine.