European and NATO leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Sunday. The move comes amid concerns in Kyiv and across Europe that Trump's push for a peace deal with Russia could pressure Zelenskyy into accepting unfavorable terms. The joint appearance aims to ensure a united front and prevent a repeat of the tense Oval Office encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy in February. Von der Leyen said on social media platform X that her participation, along with other European leaders, followed a request from Zelenskyy. "In support of Ukraine and at the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow," she wrote. Shortly after her announcement, several high-level European figures confirmed they would also be attending. Among them were French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The coordinated diplomatic push reflects European leaders' determination to remain central in negotiations over Ukraine's future. Their presence also signals strong transatlantic backing for Kyiv following Friday's summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which excluded Zelenskyy and ended without a ceasefire agreement. Trump has since suggested that a direct peace agreement — not a ceasefire — is the best path forward, drawing concerns in Europe that Russia could exploit such a strategy to continue its aggression while talks unfold. Monday's meeting is expected to focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, European participation in any future settlement talks, and efforts to forge a united diplomatic path ahead. — Agencies
