Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to press for a ceasefire in the war with Russia during his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The talks come as Washington signals a shift in approach, with Trump moving toward pushing for a direct peace agreement without first securing a temporary halt in fighting.
This change in US policy has unsettled both Kyiv and European leaders, who fear it could strengthen Moscow’s hand by allowing Russia to maintain pressure along the frontlines.
Ukraine’s Position
Speaking in Brussels on Sunday, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a ceasefire as the basis for negotiations. “It’s impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons,” he said, stressing that a pause in fighting was essential to begin work on a comprehensive peace deal. He added that he would raise this directly in Washington, alongside European allies expected to join him, and expressed optimism about achieving a “positive meeting.”
Zelenskyy also welcomed the US’s openness to discussing security guarantees for Ukraine. He said these guarantees must be practical, providing defense “on land, in the air and at sea,” and must involve Europe.
International Support
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are all expected to attend the talks. Von der Leyen indicated that the priority was “to stop the killing,” regardless of whether it is termed a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Calls have also been made for a trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow’s Demands
At his meeting with Trump on Friday, Putin reiterated demands that Ukraine withdraw its forces from Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for peace. In return, he said Russia could freeze the rest of the frontline. This message was relayed to Zelenskyy and European leaders but it remains unclear whether Trump supports the demand.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, suggested both sides would need to make concessions, hinting that territorial compromises may form part of a future deal.
Security Guarantees Under Discussion
Zelenskyy also plans to seek details on the proposed security guarantees from the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” which includes France, Germany, and the UK. France and Britain have been leading efforts to create a European reassurance force for Ukraine in the event of peace, with plans for a headquarters in Paris.
US envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Putin had agreed to allow Washington and its allies to provide Ukraine with NATO-style protection, offering Article 5–like guarantees. While this marks a potential breakthrough, Rubio emphasized that Moscow would also need to agree.
European Concerns
European leaders maintain that Russia should not be given a veto over Ukraine’s NATO aspirations or military capacity. Zelenskyy has made clear he cannot agree to hand over Donetsk and Luhansk, though he expressed readiness to discuss territorial issues in talks involving both Trump and Putin.
A German government official confirmed that Zelenskyy will first meet Trump privately before joining other leaders for a working lunch and broader discussions. Topics will include security guarantees, territorial disputes, sanctions, and financing for Ukraine’s defense.
