Diplomats Merz and von der Leyen join Zelensky in a trip to meet Trump - Merz, von der Leyen, and Selensky are journeying with Trump.
The international community is gearing up for a crucial round of peace talks in Washington, with the focus squarely on negotiating a comprehensive peace deal to put an end to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) are set to convene tomorrow in the U.S. capital. The talks aim to strike a balanced agreement, with both Ukraine and Russia required to make concessions, reflecting the complexity and length of the conflict, which has been ongoing for over three and a half years.
Ending the war completely, not just pausing hostilities, is the ultimate goal, as emphasized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S., though not directly at war, plays a unique role in facilitating negotiations by leveraging President Trump’s ability to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiation table.
Zelensky's presence indicates Ukraine's commitment to exploring such an accord, despite the challenges involved. European perspectives, represented by leaders von der Leyen and Merz, will likely focus on the broader ramifications for European security and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ahead of the meeting, a video conference of the "Coalition of the Willing" (Germany, France, and Britain) is planned in Brussels, where tactics before the meeting with Trump will be coordinated. The Europeans aim to prevent decisions that are detrimental to Ukraine, with Sybiha calling for increased pressure on Moscow to end the Russian war of aggression.
In addition, the EU Commission is preparing a 19th package of sanctions against Russia, according to reports. Maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia is also part of the discussions.
Zelensky has categorically rejected Russia's demand that Ukraine give up territories. Other European heads of state and government are also expected to attend the meeting.
The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's participation was announced by the German government, and a meeting with Trump is expected to follow his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian war of aggression for around three and a half years, with the need for security guarantees, a strengthening of its defensive capabilities, and a deterrent package to force Russia to end the war, according to Sybiha.
As the talks in Washington approach, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and stability to Ukraine and the wider region.
[1] Source: Reuters, BBC News, The Guardian, and AP News.
During the upcoming peace talks in Washington, the focus will extend beyond a simple ceasefire, delving into the Parliament's resolution on the Commission's communication regarding the European Union's role in the fight against terrorism and the broader context of war-and-conflicts. This discourse will encompass policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, with the European Commission planning a 19th package of sanctions against Russia as part of the discussions.
