Zelensky in Washington: What Europe wants, what Trump may push, and how security guarantees could work

European officials expect Trump to urge Zelensky to consider a deal outlined by Putin in Alaska.

European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Monday for a joint meeting with US President Donald Trump. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Britain, Finland, the European Union, and NATO will stand alongside Zelensky, aiming to show unity. The move underscores Europe’s concern that Trump may press Ukraine into concessions with Russia, particularly over the eastern Donbas region, after his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Zelensky appeals for lasting security

On Sunday, Zelensky met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, stressing that unity remained as crucial as in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. He welcomed Trump’s signals of openness to security guarantees for Ukraine but emphasized the need for concrete mechanisms. “We need security to work in practice,” Zelensky said, noting that clarity on the role of the US, Europe, and the EU was still missing.

Security guarantees take centre stage

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed security guarantees would dominate Monday’s talks, with the U.S. exploring what assurances it could provide. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff suggested guarantees might mirror NATO’s Article 5, with commitments given individually by the U.S. and European states rather than the alliance. “That is big,” Witkoff said, hinting Washington could extend NATO-like protection without formal membership, a move intended to reassure Kyiv while placating Moscow.

The pressure from Moscow’s proposal

European officials expect Trump to urge Zelensky to consider a deal outlined by Putin in Alaska. Under the plan, Ukraine would withdraw from the Donbas, including areas still under Kyiv’s control, in exchange for Russia freezing the conflict along current front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Trump has framed such concessions as a path to ending the war quickly. Zelensky, however, faces a constitution that forbids surrendering land.

Risks of renewed tensions

Monday’s White House meeting could test the fragile relationship between Trump and Zelensky. Their last encounter in February ended in a heated exchange, with Vice President JD Vance joining Trump in berating the Ukrainian leader for seeking more support. European leaders hope their presence will temper tensions and keep negotiations on track, but privately acknowledge the risk of fresh strains if Trump presses too hard for territorial compromises.

Europe’s red lines

European officials insist Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must remain the foundation of any settlement. While they concede privately that Kyiv may not recover all occupied territory, they reject the idea of legitimizing Russian annexations. Sanctions on Moscow will remain a key pressure tool, leaders say, alongside continued military and financial support for Kyiv. The goal in Washington is to keep Trump aligned with European positions while leaving space for negotiation.

What Zelensky seeks

Zelensky has made clear Ukraine cannot accept land trades “under the pressure of weapons.” Instead, he wants a cease-fire to allow talks without coercion and long-term guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. With Europe at his side, Zelensky will try to convince Trump there are alternatives to Putin’s offer that meet Washington’s desire for a swift end to the conflict without sacrificing Ukraine’s sovereignty.