"BIG DAY" AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Describing today as a "big day," Trump emphasized that hosting European leaders at the White House was a great honor for the United States.

Trump pointed out that he had never hosted so many European leaders at the same time before and said,"It is a great honor for me to host them."

Zelenskyy Does Not Want to Give Up Land

Zelenskiy made a statement before the meeting on the social media platform of the US-based X company.

Zelenskiy stated that he reached Washington to meet with Trump and that they would later hold a meeting with the participation of European leaders.

Zelenskyy noted the following in his statement:

"We all feel a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. It must not be like years ago when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our east, the Donbas region, and Putin used that as a springboard for his new offensive."

Emphasizing that the security guarantees given to Ukraine in 1994 were useless, Zelenskiy said,"Of course, Crimea should not have been given up at that time, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kyiv, Odessa or Kharkiv after 2022."

Zelenskyy, pointing out that Ukrainians are fighting for their land and independence, said,"Our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and all our partners and allies for their support and invaluable assistance."

Underlining that Russia must "end" the war it started, Zelenskiy expressed his hope that"our joint power with America and our European friends will force Russia to make a real peace."

EUROPEAN LEADERS DID NOT LEAVE UKRAINE ALONE

European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she will attend the meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House today, upon Zelenskiy's request.

In a statement released by the Elysee Palace, it was announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will be part of the delegation that will go to Washington to"continue the coordination efforts between Europeans and the United States to achieve a just and lasting peace that protects European security and the vital interests of Ukraine."

The Finnish Presidential Office announced that President Alexander Stubb will also travel to Washington.

According to the Italian ANSA agency, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Washington tomorrow to attend a meeting with Trump at the White House.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington to attend talks on ending the war in Ukraine, according to a statement released by the UK Prime Minister's Office, Number 10.

The statement noted that Starmer would reaffirm with other European partners at the White House meeting that he was ready to support the next stage of the negotiations and that his support for Ukraine would continue for as long as necessary.

In a written statement made by German Government Spokesman Stefan Kornelius, it was announced that Prime Minister Friedrich Merz will go to Washington for political talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and other European leaders.

The statement said Merz would address the current status of peace efforts and emphasize Germany's commitment to a swift peace settlement in Ukraine. The talks would also include security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine's defense, as well as maintaining pressure on Russia for sanctions.