The French president's office announced that Emmanuel Macron will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several other European leaders in Washington on 18/8. "They will work to coordinate European and American efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, while protecting Ukraine's core interests and European security," the statement said.
The offices of the Finnish and Italian prime ministers released similar statements on the same day.
The German government confirmed that Chancellor Friedrich Merz would travel to Washington with President Zelensky to discuss the situation in Ukraine with President Trump. "The talks will cover security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine's defense against Russian pressure, including maintaining sanctions, among other topics," the German government stated.
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Prime Minister Starmer (left) speaks with President Zelensky in London on 14/8. Photo: AP |
Prime Minister Starmer (left) speaks with President Zelensky in London on 14/8. Photo: AP
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated she would meet President Trump and other European leaders at the White House on 18/8 at President Zelensky's suggestion.
"At the White House meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will reaffirm his commitment to supporting the next phase of negotiations and continuing to aid Ukraine for as long as necessary," the British prime minister's office stated.
Following his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15/8, President Trump spoke with President Zelensky and European leaders by phone to discuss the meeting's contents. The Ukrainian president's office said Trump spoke with Zelensky first, then the European leaders joined the call.
President Zelensky confirmed he had a "long and substantive conversation" with Trump and called on European allies to participate in "all stages" of the negotiations.
In a social media post on 16/8, President Trump suggested the parties should aim for a comprehensive peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, rather than pursuing a ceasefire.
This marks a significant shift in the American president's stance after the summit with his Russian counterpart. One of Trump's key demands over the past months has been a ceasefire in Ukraine. This has also been a long-standing goal of President Zelensky and many European leaders.
Vu Hoang (AFP, Reuters)
