**Writer: Observer Network, Liu Bai**
After the US-Russia summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that he will visit the White House on the 18th to meet with US President Trump. On August 17th, multiple European politicians have confirmed their attendance at the meeting in the United States, including leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.
As of press time, the European politicians who have confirmed their attendance at this meeting include: UK Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, Finnish President Stubbe, NATO Secretary-General Lute, and European Commission President Von Der Leyen.
Trump earlier told European leaders that he is willing to consider providing Ukraine with a security guarantee similar to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which is seen as a significant shift in Trump’s stance. On the 17th, U.S. President Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine issues, Wietekoff, stated that Russian President Putin agrees to accept a “strong security guarantee” for Ukraine in the peace agreement provided by the United States and Europe. However, this statement has not yet been confirmed by Russia.
European politicians are “pouring out”
On the 17th, local time, Von Der Leyen stated on social media platform X that she will welcome Zelensky in Brussels on the same day to participate in the “Coalition of Willing” meeting. She also accepted Zelensky’s invitation to meet with Trump and other European leaders at the White House on the following day.
The spokesperson for the German federal government, Stefan Kornelius, stated in a declaration that Chancellor Merz will travel to Washington on the 18th to participate in the talks between Zelensky and Trump.
The spokesperson said that this visit will be an “information exchange” following the US-Russia summit. “Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with heads of state and government, emphasizing Germany’s interest in quickly reaching a peace agreement for Ukraine.” The statement said, “The talks will cover security guarantees, territorial issues, continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and maintaining sanctions pressure.”
On August 13th, in Berlin, Germany, Ukrainian President Zelensky held a joint press conference with German Chancellor Merz.
Stubbe confirmed on platform X that he will “participate in a meeting on peace in Ukraine”.
Macron’s office stated in a declaration that European leaders will seek to “coordinate between the United States and Europe to achieve a fair and lasting peace, safeguarding Ukraine’s vital interests and European security”.
Subsequently, Downing Street issued a statement confirming Starmer’s attendance at the meeting.
The statement said that at the upcoming meeting at the White House, Stammer will work with other European partners to prepare for the next stage of negotiations, and reiterated that he will always support Ukraine.
” Whoever goes to meet Zelensky at the White House will face a tough task.”
CNN analyzed on the 17th that Europe is now eager to influence Trump again.
“The ball is back in Europe’s court, and Europe is eager to come up with a unified plan before heading to the United States for the meeting.” CNN said that Trump’s sudden reversal of principles reached less than a week ago yesterday shocked Europeans, with the core point being that Ukraine must first cease fire before reconciliation negotiations can take place.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that his relationship with Putin has always been good, and he gave a perfect score to their meeting. Moreover, the ceasefire depends on Ukraine. “We are very close to reaching a deal, but Ukraine must agree, and President Zelensky must agree,” Trump said, adding that European countries also need to “participate.”
CNN said that Europeans believe it is best not to contradict Trump in public, but to try to emphasize the positive aspects, such as Trump’s mention of providing “security guarantees” to Ukraine.
Although Trump once stated that Russia will face “serious consequences” if it does not agree to a ceasefire, and even threatened secondary sanctions against Russian oil buyers, in reality, Putin did not budge in Alaska, and Trump did not pressure him, suspending further sanctions against Russian oil buyers.