Zelenskyy, European leaders to hold preparatory meeting ahead of Trump talks

On August 18, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders present in Washington will hold a preparatory meeting ahead of negotiations with US President Donald Trump.

The European Commission told a Ukrainian media outlet that Von der Leyen and Zelenskyy will participate in the preparatory meeting in Washington before the talks at the White House, Caliber.Az informs. 

“President von der Leyen will take part in a preparatory meeting in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders,” the European Commission said.

The Commission did not specify the exact time or location of the preparatory meeting.

Another EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that European leaders are expected to arrive at the White House at 12:00 local time (20:00 Baku time).

President Trump is set to host Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House later today, August 18, to discuss how to end the three-year war in Ukraine.

Planning to join Zelenskyy in America’s capital are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

On the table for discussion are possible NATO-like security guarantees Ukraine would need for any peace with Russia to be durable. Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO outright, yet Trump’s team claims the Russian leader is open to allies agreeing to defend Ukraine if it comes under attack.

By Khagan Isayev