European leaders are rallying behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he heads to Washington for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit marks a critical diplomatic moment, as Ukraine and its allies strive to counter Russian efforts to impose peace terms that threaten Kyiv’s sovereignty.

In Brussels, Zelensky first met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before holding video calls with other leaders to coordinate positions. By Monday, he will be joined at the White House by leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Finland, and representatives from the European Union and NATO. Their united presence underscores a clear message: Europe stands firmly with Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed the importance of presenting a collective stance to Washington. He reminded Europe of the urgency to remain as united as it was in 2022 when Russia launched its large-scale invasion. According to him, this unity not only strengthens Ukraine’s resilience but also fosters the credibility of peace efforts.

European officials say the meeting aims to prevent Russia from dictating terms. Moscow recently floated a proposal that Ukraine should surrender parts of the Donbas region in exchange for freezing the conflict along current frontlines. This plan, however, is widely seen in Europe as unacceptable because it undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Central to the Washington talks are security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky has consistently emphasized that without credible security, rebuilding the country remains impossible. “We need security to work in practice,” he said in Brussels, noting that vague promises are insufficient for Ukraine’s survival.

Discussions will likely center on how far the United States and European partners are willing to go. Some officials suggest guarantees could mirror NATO’s Article V principle—an attack on one is an attack on all—though applied bilaterally rather than through NATO itself. This would involve commitments from the U.S. and individual European states to respond to future aggression against Ukraine.

While European leaders prepare to demonstrate unity, concerns remain about President Trump’s approach. During a recent summit in Alaska, Trump engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin but failed to secure a breakthrough. Observers worry that Trump could pressure Zelensky into accepting Moscow’s demands in the name of ending the war quickly.

For Zelensky, the challenge is to persuade Trump that there are alternatives to conceding territory. Officials note that rejecting Putin’s proposal outright could trigger new tensions between Kyiv and Washington. The situation recalls a heated exchange earlier this year when Zelensky clashed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance during talks at the White House.

Despite private acknowledgments that Ukraine may not regain all occupied territories, European leaders remain adamant that no land should be formally recognized as Russian. They insist that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of any peace settlement.

Zelensky himself faces legal and political constraints. Ukraine’s constitution forbids surrendering or trading land, and any concession would ignite fierce backlash domestically. He reiterated that while Russia has many demands, Ukraine cannot negotiate under the pressure of weapons. Instead, he called for a cease-fire as a first step, followed by serious negotiations.

The Washington meeting is set to be a defining moment for Ukraine’s war strategy and Europe’s role in shaping peace. With Russia pressing for concessions and Trump seeking a quick resolution, Zelensky’s ability to secure credible guarantees and preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty will determine the next phase of the conflict.

European leaders hope their show of unity will strengthen Zelensky’s hand, ensuring that any agreement upholds international law and resists Moscow’s attempts to redraw borders by force. The outcome will signal whether Western solidarity can withstand political pressures and whether Ukraine’s future can be secured through genuine peace rather than imposed compromise.

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