UKRAINE - It promises to be a day unlike any other at the White House later, when world leaders make a rare collective visit for crunch talks on Ukraine.
What had been billed as a meeting between two presidents, Donald Trump and Volodomyr Zelensky, has now become more of a summit. Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the EU and Nato have dashed across the Atlantic to have their say on how the three-year-old war with Russia should end and on what terms. It's a reflection of how high the stakes are and increased European concerns that the US has shifted its position to one less favourable to Ukraine. We break down what each of those present - and one who is not - would regard as a win when the sun sets on a long day of talks. Trump promised to solve the conflict on his first day, but six months later the breakthrough remains elusive. He seems to care more about the deal than its terms, with conditions shifting over time. After meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump appears to have dropped his criticism of Moscow and the threat of sanctions, instead pressuring Zelensky.
In late talks, Trump warned Zelensky he must abandon hopes of NATO membership and concede Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington would offer European security guarantees to deter further Russian aggression, though details are unclear. The U.S. has historically resisted European calls to commit to Ukraine’s future security. All eyes are on the White House to see if that stance has changed.
Zelensky must stand firm against an impatient Trump who seems swayed by Putin and has accused Zelensky of blocking peace. Trump may press for land concessions in Donetsk and Luhansk, risking Russia’s control of large areas that could be used for further aggression. Zelensky would need strong security guarantees to accept concessions, possibly via NATO, but Trump has ruled Ukraine out of the alliance. Without credible guarantees, Ukraine cannot commit.
European leaders fear vague U.S. commitments and a land-for-peace approach. They want concrete guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. A large contingent of leaders is visiting the White House to press these concerns. (BBC)
