Translation:
【Report by Zhao Jiandong】On the critical moment when Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet with US President Trump in Washington on the 18th, a rare large “representative team” appeared behind Zelensky. According to the UK’s Sky News, the “team” members accompanying Zelensky to the US include: European Commission President Von Der Leyen, German Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, UK Prime Minister Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, NATO Secretary General Lute, and Finnish President Stubbe.
Why do a group of European leaders accompany Zelensky to negotiate in the US? Sky News analyzed that this action may be to avoid repeating the “White House conflict” in February this year. As for why these European leaders were chosen, the British media speculated that each of them may have their own reasons: Von Der Leyen represents the EU, Lute represents NATO, and Finnish President Stubbe has forged a friendship with Trump through their love of golf, with Stubbe previously calling Trump “the only one who can bring about peace.”
On February 28th this year, Trump and Zelensky held a meeting at the White House in front of the media, during which they had a fierce argument and Zelensky left the White House early. Both Trump and Vance claimed that Zelensky was “disrespectful” to the US. German Chancellor Merz told the media on the 16th that he believed Zelensky’s visit to the White House this time would not result in a scene of “humiliation” as last time. European leaders provided “some good advice” during their meeting with Zelensky on the 17th.
In addition, Sky News also focused on the difference in待遇（treatment） between Zelensky’s visit to the US and other heads of state: when US and Russian heads of state met in Alaska, Trump not only rolled out a red carpet for Putin but also invited him to ride in the “Beast” presidential vehicle. However, according to British media reports, Zelensky’s arrival in the US may not be as enthusiastic as before, without a red carpet, no plane escort, and no applause.
US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed on the 16th that they will meet in Washington DC on the 18th. Trump stated on the 16th that Zelensky will visit the Oval Office of the White House on the afternoon of the 18th (Eastern Time). “If everything goes well, we will arrange a (tripartite) meeting with (Russian) President Putin next.” Earlier that day, Zelensky said he had a “long and substantial” call with Trump and will accept an invitation to meet with Trump in Washington on the 18th to discuss “all details” of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine supports the proposal for a tripartite meeting between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. The leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Finland, NATO, and the European Union will attend the US-Ukraine summit in Washington.