European leaders confirm joining Zelenskyy for White House meeting with Trump Who exactly will go?

European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 18, officials confirmed.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have all confirmed their attendance at the White House meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing UK media.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also expected to participate.

While British Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has not officially confirmed, he is widely expected to attend, reflecting the United Kingdom’s strong support for both Ukraine and the United States.

The German government stated that discussions will focus on security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression.

Reports suggest European leaders are gathering their “heavy hitters” to shield Zelenskyy from potential confrontations with Trump in the Oval Office, following a tense clash between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders in February that strained bilateral relations for months.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet separately with von der Leyen before a broader “Coalition of the Willing” meeting with European leaders at 2 p.m. BST.

By Khagan Isayev