Washington, Aug 18 (AP) Ukraine's future is in a delicate balance as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy heads to the White House for a pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday. Accompanying Zelenskyy is a formidable group of European leaders, presenting a united front against Russia's escalating aggression.
The European leaders were excluded from Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting their swift move to guard Ukraine and Europe from further Russian incursions.
By presenting a collective stance, they aim to avoid any fallout similar to Zelenskyy's February visit to the Oval Office, where Trump criticized him for lack of gratitude for US military support.
This meeting tests America's ties with its allies, especially after the European Union and the UK reluctantly accepted Trump's tariff hikes, hoping for his backing on Ukraine.
Europe's demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine highlights the ongoing concerns following the Alaska meeting, with many leaders arriving in Washington to safeguard Ukraine's interests.
“It's crucial that the United States collaborates with Europe to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine, ensuring peace for all of Europe,” Zelenskyy tweeted on X.
Nevertheless, Trump seemed to lay the responsibility on Zelenskyy to make concessions, suggesting Ukraine might not recover Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 and a precursor to the broader 2022 invasion.
"President Zelenskyy can end the conflict with Russia swiftly if he chooses, or continue fighting," Trump posted on social media Sunday night. “Remember the origins. Crimea was taken without a shot under Obama (12 years ago)! No NATO for Ukraine, some things stay the same!”
Zelenskyy replied late Sunday: “We all desire the swift and enduring end of this war.” He emphasized that peace must be lasting, unlike after the 2014 annexation which only emboldened Putin.
The Alaska discussions hinted at possible terms for ending the Ukraine war, but it's uncertain whether they’re acceptable to Zelenskyy or Putin.
Upon arriving in Washington, Zelenskyy reiterated via social media: “We all wish for a reliable end to this war. Peace must be permanent.” He remains hopeful that the US and Europe can pressure Russia towards genuine peace.
European Leaders in Washington Accompanying Zelenskyy to Washington are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Discussion topics include NATO-like security guarantees Ukraine would need for sustainable peace. While Putin is opposed to Ukraine directly joining NATO, Trump's team suggests Russia might accept allied defense agreements for Ukraine if attacked.
Trump briefed Zelenskyy and European allies post-Putin meeting, with details leaking sporadically, frustrating the US president who avoided outlining terms after meeting Putin.
“BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA,” Trump tweeted on Sunday, also criticizing media coverage. Following the Alaska summit, Trump declared that peace talks could proceed without a ceasefire.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a ceasefire remains possible but emphasized that a comprehensive peace deal is ideal.
'A Strategic Move' European officials confirmed Trump's disclosure that Putin aims to control the entire Donbas region, though Ukraine retains substantial portions.
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, proposed a NATO-like commitment to defend Ukraine under attack as a potential security guarantee.
"We're focusing on structuring a robust and enforceable commitment with our overseas partners," Rubio told NBC's “Meet the Press”.
Such a move would be significant, Rubio informed Fox News' “Sunday Morning Futures,” expecting extensive discussions over the next few days to reach a concrete agreement.
Monday's meeting poses challenges for Zelenskyy, an insider disclosed anonymously, revealing that Zelenskyy must avoid being seen as blocking peace talks by rejecting Putin’s demands concerning Donbas, which he considers unconstitutional and potentially provocative.
Should these demands arise, Zelenskyy may have to deploy his well-known diplomatic skills. Ukraine seeks a three-way meeting with Trump and Putin to tackle sensitive issues, including territorial disputes.
Trump’s Quest to End the War After enduring criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, Zelenskyy sought to mend US ties. High-level diplomatic exchanges and a brief Vatican meeting during Pope Francis' funeral in April helped shift perspectives. Trump then seemed more receptive to Zelenskyy's peace conditions.
Nevertheless, Trump’s priority is ending the war, leading him to dismiss a ceasefire requirement after meeting with Putin.
European allies also reached a deal with Trump in July for NATO to procure US arms for Ukraine.
Before the Monday meeting, Macron underscored bolstering Ukraine's military to signal to Putin that Europe is united against him.
“Weakness today paves the way for future conflicts that will hurt Ukrainians and potentially us,” Macron warned.
Continued Russian Attacks on Ukraine Meanwhile, Russian forces continue bombarding Ukraine with missiles and drones.
A drone strike killed six civilians, including a toddler in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, on Sunday, officials stated.
Russian aerial assaults also targeted the northeastern Sumy region and the southern Odesa region.
Seventeen people were injured during an attack on Zaporizhzhia on Monday, per regional leader Ivan Fedorov.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported Russia launched four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 drones nationwide overnight, with 88 drones intercepted or jammed. (AP)
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)