UK media: European leaders set to join Zelenskyy in Washington for talks with Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are reportedly ready to accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a trip to Washington to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with US President Donald Trump.

According to diplomatic sources quoted by The Daily Mail, the two European leaders are prepared to travel to the US capital as early as next week in a bid to present a united front to Trump, per Caliber.Az.

Sources revealed that Macron and Starmer's participation is part of a coordinated effort to influence US policy regarding Ukraine. The British government is actively working to restore US military aid to Ukraine, a move that follows recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington. These tensions stemmed from a public dispute between Zelenskyy and Trump during a meeting at the White House, which led to the suspension of US military assistance to Ukraine.

While the specifics of the proposed plan remain unclear, the sources suggested that the discussions could focus on a potential roadmap for peace. The plan might begin with a halt to airstrikes, followed by a ceasefire agreement between ground forces if the initial steps prove successful. This proposed settlement reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and foster negotiations.

The visit is taking place amidst increasing efforts by the UK to repair its relationship with the US, particularly in light of Washington’s recent decision to ban Britain from sharing intelligence with Kyiv. The US will now tightly control the flow of intelligence to Ukraine through its agencies stationed in Kyiv.

On March 4, President Trump confirmed receiving a letter from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressing his readiness to initiate peace talks. Speaking before Congress, Trump emphasized that Zelenskyy’s letter underscored Ukraine's commitment to pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Additionally, Trump mentioned that the letter also included Kyiv’s agreement on a deal related to rare earth metals, which could potentially be a key element of the negotiations.

Trump also noted that he has been receiving “strong signals” from Russia regarding its willingness to engage in peace talks. “It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to stop the killing. It’s time to stop this senseless war,” Trump declared. He further stated that effective peace talks require engaging with both sides of the conflict.

Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts include a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12, followed by the first meeting between Russian and US delegations in Riyadh on February 18. A planned deal between the US and Ukraine on minerals, which was set to be signed during a meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on February 28, was ultimately cancelled due to unsuccessful negotiations.

By Tamilla Hasanova