Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by European leaders, to discuss the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting aimed to present a united front against Russian aggression and secure a durable peace for Ukraine.

President Trump has publicly urged Ukraine to abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and the reclamation of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. This stance places pressure on Zelensky to accept difficult compromises, including territorial concessions, as part of a broader peace deal with Russia.

European leaders, including officials from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO, joined Zelensky in Washington to advocate for Ukraine's security and European stability amid the ongoing war. They discussed potential NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of a lasting and just peace.

Despite the pressure from President Trump, Zelensky has drawn a firm red line against surrendering land Ukraine still holds, particularly the Donbas region. He emphasized that any peace must be lasting and just, rejecting terms that could embolden future Russian expansion.

The meeting's outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine and the broader European security landscape. As Russian forces intensify their offensive, time is critical for Ukraine to secure firm U.S. security guarantees and a fair resolution to the ongoing war.