European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson are expected to attend the Monday talks between Zelensky and Trump.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and NATO and Secretary-General Mark Rutte are also reported to take part in the meeting.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet Trump in the afternoon of August 18, where the two leaders are expected to discuss preparations for a possible trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 22.
Sources in Washington suggested such a meeting could take place, though the Kremlin has not commented.
Ukrainian commentators say the involvement of Western leaders could help Zelensky avoid renewed frictions with Trump and strengthen Europe’s role in the negotiations.
Trump and Putin met in Alaska late Friday, where the Russian leader reportedly demanded territorial concessions, the lifting of sanctions and recognition of Russian language status.
Kyiv has welcomed news of European participation in the upcoming Washington talks.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, EU leaders will hold a videoconference on Sunday afternoon, chaired by Macron, Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to coordinate their approach.
(ał)
Source: IAR