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President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will hold a private meeting on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before bringing in European leaders for broader talks on the Russia-Ukraine war, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The European delegation expected in Washington includes French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Their visit comes amid speculation in Europe that Trump’s administration is moving closer to Moscow after the president’s summit Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At that meeting, Trump signaled he was no longer pressing for an immediate ceasefire, instead suggesting one would come as part of a larger peace agreement.
Some European commentators worry that the private meeting with Zelenskyy could end badly like their tense February encounter, when Trump and Vance publicly scolded the Ukrainian leader at the White House for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure allies on Sunday, pushing back against suggestions that Zelenskyy would be cornered into a bad deal.
“European leaders are not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied,” Rubio told CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
He added that the talks were part of ongoing coordination with Europe, noting recent meetings in London and elsewhere.
The White House has not released a detailed agenda for Monday’s meetings, which are expected to focus on the trajectory of the war, U.S.-European unity and the terms of any eventual settlement with Russia.
“Big day at the White House tomorrow,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!! President DJT.”
“The Fake News will say that it is a big loss for President Trump to host so many great European Leaders at our beautiful White House,” Trump added in an ensuing post. “Actually, it is a great honor for America!!!”
Trump and Vance are set to meet with Zelenskyy at 1 p.m. Eastern, followed by a meeting with European leaders in the Oval Office.
