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The video conference between EU leaders and Zelensky ends, the parties discuss the strategy for tomorrow's meeting with Trump in Washington...
A day before the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House, Europe has demonstrated its political and diplomatic unity, clearly defining red lines towards Moscow and reaffirming full support for Kiev. This meeting in Washington is expected to be a turning point for the future of the war and the security balance on the European continent.
On Sunday, in a high-level video conference, European leaders discussed with Zelensky the progress of the process and were briefed on the results of the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.
High-ranking representatives, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the German Chancellor, the presidents of France and Finland, the prime ministers of Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as the NATO secretary general, confirmed their participation in Washington, giving the event extraordinary political weight.
The main message from European capitals was clear: there can be no peace by exerting pressure on the victim, but only by increasing the cost to the aggressor.
The Polish Foreign Minister clearly formulated this position, underlining that Europe will remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine. Three basic principles have been established in Brussels that will accompany the European delegation to the White House: mandatory security guarantees for Ukraine, categorical rejection of any agreement that violates its territorial integrity, and the continuation of military, economic and political support for as long as necessary.
Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said that " if a ceasefire is not reached, the EU and the US must increase pressure on Russia ."
" Ukraine's sovereign right to determine its own terms for peace must be respected ," he added in a post on X.
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, said: “ There is a strong consensus among Coalition countries on the need to continue support for Ukraine .”
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the coalition agreed that the immediate priority should be ending the killings.
At the same time, Zelensky has outlined his vision: an immediate ceasefire is the first step towards peace, which would allow for the opening of serious negotiations.
He made it clear that the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits any exchange or surrender of territory, closing the door to speculation about territorial compromises that have been circulating in some diplomatic channels. “ Negotiations should begin on the basis of the current front line. Putin has not managed to take Donetsk for 12 years, this is the best evidence of his failure ,” he declared.
Zelensky also stressed that any territorial negotiations should take place in clear formats, including the US, Ukraine and Russia. If Moscow refuses, according to him, new sanctions should automatically come into force.
For her part, Ursula von der Leyen gave public assurances to Kiev that the EU would continue to provide assistance at all levels. She also warned of a new package of sanctions against Moscow if the Kremlin does not show a real will for peace. This is a clear signal that Brussels will not tolerate any kind of agreement that could be interpreted as a reward for Russian aggression.
Against this backdrop, Trump appears eager to play the role of peacemaker. His recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska is seen as part of efforts to build a new basis for negotiations. However, for European leaders there is a fear that Trump's ambition for a quick agreement could be accompanied by dangerous concessions at the expense of European security and Ukrainian sovereignty. Therefore, the EU goes to Washington unified, to prevent deviations from the basic principles of the international order.
Tomorrow is expected to be a critical day. Three visions will clash at the White House table: Trump's desire for an immediate agreement, Europe's determination to maintain red lines, and Zelensky's insistence that without a ceasefire there can be no real negotiations. Not only the future course of the war, but also the West's position vis-à-vis Russia will depend on this delicate balance. /Pamphlet
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