European leaders, Zelensky to meet Trump in Washington

BRUSSELS -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that she and other European leaders, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will travel to Washington on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump.

"At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow," von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X.

At a later press conference with Zelensky, von der Leyen said territorial decisions must be made by Ukraine, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

She stated that Europe would firmly support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved, and that the European Union (EU) will keep up diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. A 19th package of sanctions could be introduced in early September, according to von der Leyen.

She also noted that the EU welcomed Trump's willingness to contribute to Article Five-like security guarantees, and that the Coalition of the Willing, including the EU, is ready to do its share.

Article Five of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is the clause on collective defense. US president's special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday that it was possible for the United States and several European nations to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO's Article Five.

Several other European leaders said Sunday they will accompany Zelensky to Washington. The German government announced that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining other European leaders and Zelensky for talks with Trump.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, a statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed.

The French presidency told the press on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington on Monday together with Zelensky and other European leaders to advance coordination between Europe and the US

ANSA news agency reported that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Washington on Monday to attend a meeting with Trump at the White House, together with Zelensky and other European leaders.

Other leaders also making the trip include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.