Diplomatic frenzy over Ukraine: von der Leyen, Starmer, Macron, Merz, and Meloni to join T

Source: ProtoThema English

European leaders, the President of the European Commission, and the NATO Secretary General will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his meeting tomorrow with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

In consecutive statements this afternoon, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer all announced they will travel to Washington for the meeting, which comes in the wake of Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

At 16:00 Athens time today, a videoconference is scheduled among leaders of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” allies of Kyiv.

Von der Leyen: I will attend at Zelensky’s invitation

Ursula von der Leyen announced on X that she will take part in tomorrow’s White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky. She clarified that she accepted the invitation following a request from Zelensky, whom she will host in Brussels today.

“This afternoon I will welcome Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Together we will take part in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting by videoconference. At the request of President Zelensky, tomorrow I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders at the White House,” wrote the Commission President.

Announcements from European leaders traveling to Washington

Confirmed attendees for tomorrow’s Washington meeting include Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Alexander Stubb, Giorgia Meloni, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

• The French presidency announced: “President Emmanuel Macron will travel tomorrow to Washington with President Zelensky and several European leaders to continue coordination between Europe and the United States in pursuit of a just and sustainable peace that safeguards Ukraine’s vital interests and European security.”
• German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius said Chancellor Merz will travel “for political talks with President Zelensky and other European heads of state and government.” He explained that the trip will serve as an exchange with President Trump following his summit with Putin in Alaska. The talks will address peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial issues, and ongoing support for Ukraine’s defense, including maintaining sanctions pressure.
• Italian media reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cut short her holiday and returned to Rome on Sunday to prepare for the U.S. trip. Her participation was confirmed at midday.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend, according to his office: “The Secretary General will participate in a meeting hosted by the U.S. President.”
• Downing Street stated: “At tomorrow’s White House meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with other European partners, is ready to support this next phase of talks and will reaffirm that his support for Ukraine will continue for as long as necessary.”

The original article: https://en.protothema.gr/2025/08/17/diplomatic-frenzy-over-ukraine-von-der-leyen-starmer-macron-merz-and-meloni-to-join-trump-zelensky-meeting-at-the-white-house/ belongs to ProtoThema English .