Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington on Monday at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, where he is expected to have the support of a significant number of European and NATO partners.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that she would accompany the Ukrainian president to the White House, and several European leaders and the NATO Secretary General may also join the delegation. Their goal is to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from enforcing his demands, especially the imposition of territorial concessions.

Security guarantees are essential

On Sunday, Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen held a joint press conference in Brussels, at which the European Commission President stressed that the primary task was to ensure that “strong security guarantees protect Ukraine and Europe’s vital security interests.” He added that

Ukraine must preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and made Europe's position clear:"international borders cannot be changed by force."

Von der Leyen said that all decisions on ending the war must be made by Ukraine, and that “we cannot sit at the negotiating table without Ukraine.” Her words could also be interpreted as a response to Donald Trump meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where the Russian president reportedly made territorial demands.

The European Commission President added that he welcomes Donald Trump's willingness to contribute to"security guarantees" similar to Article 5.

Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is"ready to take on its share of this responsibility", which she says is now the defense of the continent, and Brussels supports Ukraine's path towards EU membership.

Zelensky is not backing down

Like Von der Leyen, the Ukrainian president also emphasized in his speech that Europe must now “remain as united as it was at the beginning of the war, in 2022.” He said that this solid joint action could lead to “real peace.”

In his speech, Zelensky also mentioned that Vladimir Putin “has many demands, but we don’t know them all yet.” A detailed review of these will take time, which he believes is impossible in the shadow of the fighting. That is why a ceasefire would be necessary so that “real negotiations” can begin, which would begin at the current front line.

He also made it clear that under the Ukrainian constitution, Ukraine cannot give up territory, and that this can only be decided by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a possible trilateral summit.

The Ukrainian president stressed that Ukraine needs security guarantees from both the United States and Europe. As he put it: “Security should work like NATO’s Article 5, which guarantees that all allies will provide support if one of them is attacked.”

Zelensky also said that Russia's"strategic direction is anti-European," and therefore Russia's "potential" must be limited. The Ukrainian president also stated that there can be no division between Moldova and Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president also touched on the issue of defense, thanking Ursula von der Leyen for providing drones and a new package of sanctions against Russia. “The sanctions show that we are serious,” he said. Finally, he struck a more personal tone when he reminded people of the approach of the new school year: “Our children are our future,” he concluded.

High hopes are placed on the Washington meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen answered two questions from reporters. The first journalist asked them whether they agreed with Trump that there was “no need” for a ceasefire and that “peace talks” should begin immediately. Von der Leyen answered first, explaining that the most important thing was to “stop the killing,” not what term was used—whether it was a “ceasefire” or a “peace agreement.”

Von der Leyen called it important to establish a “trilateral meeting” between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, adding that “it is very important” to “adhere to clear deadlines.” Zelensky said he fully agreed with von der Leyen, emphasizing that Russia must be “forced into real negotiations” and that Kiev needs the support of the United States to guarantee lasting peace.

The second and final question was asked by a Ukrainian journalist to the president of his country, asking what security guarantees he would consider acceptable and whether he feared a repeat of the tense atmosphere in the Oval Office experienced during the February visit.

In his response, Zelensky said that he knew that only Europe could provide financing for security guarantees, but there were also tools that the United States could provide.

He said of the coming days: “I am confident that this will be a fruitful visit.”

The Brussels meeting is just a prelude to a major diplomatic event in Washington in the coming days. European leaders hope that joint action will strengthen Ukraine's position before Donald Trump makes a decision on Putin's demands. The talks are far from over - the next turning point is expected in the White House.

(Cover photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, Belgium on August 17, 2025. Photo:  Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP)