“At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow,” von der Leyen said in a statement, prior to receiving the Ukrainian leader in Brussels for a virtual summit of the Coalition of the Willing, the informal grouping of European countries pushing for continued support for Kyiv.
Stefan Kornelius, spokesman for the German government, said that the purpose of Monday’s Oval Office visit “is to exchange information with … Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.”
“Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with the heads of state and government and emphasise Germany’s interest in a quick peace agreement in Ukraine,” the spokesman said.
The meeting was called by Trump after he held talks in Alaska with Putin on Friday, where he claimed the two sides had agreed “on many points” but stopped short of outlining a peace plan. What was intended to be a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy has been presented by the U.S. administration as a precursor to a potential three-way negotiation that includes Putin.
Diplomats told POLITICO on Saturday that they expected European leaders to accompany Zelenskyy in a bid to ensure key red lines are not crossed, and that Ukraine is not forced against its will to give up territory to secure a deal.
Following Monday’s meeting in Washington, Trump said he would try to bring the Ukrainian and Russian leaders together to work toward a peace agreement. Putin has so far rejected meeting with Zelenskyy and he gave no indication on Friday he had changed that position.
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Share or comment on this article:
European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
Published: 11:49 BST, 17 August 2025 | Updated: 13:16 BST, 17 August 2025
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European leaders have revealed they will join Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House tomorrow.
Ms Von der Leyen said ‘at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.’
Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
Mr Zelensky’s Oval Office rendezvous will follow Western allies holding a ‘coalition of the willing’ video call at 2pm today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.
The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country’s territory.
Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk – two occupied Ukrainian regions – as a condition for ending the war.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders
President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit
(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a ‘coalition of the willing’ meeting on May 10
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, according to sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trump’s negotiations in Alaska on Friday.
Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.
The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky’s last visit to the White House at the end of February.
The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.
Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.
Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.
A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday
A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday
A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday
Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February
The shift appears to echo the Russians’ refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.
Writing on social media last night, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russia’s refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.
Mr Zelensky said: ‘We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.’
He added: ‘If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater – peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.
‘But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.’
Mr Zelensky is expected to attend this afternoon’s video call with leaders from the ‘coalition of the willing’, scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
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European leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump summit after US President’s Alaska showdown
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police blasted crowds with water cannons and made dozens of arrests on Sunday as protesters demanding a hostage deal escalated their campaign Sunday with a one-day nationwide strike that blocked roads and closed businesses.
Protesters fear further fighting could endanger the hostages who were seized by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 — the attack that triggered the war — and are believed to still be alive in captivity. Israel believes that some 20 are still alive, with Hamas holding the remains of about 30 others.
“We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages,” protesters chanted.
They gathered at dozens of points throughout Israel, including outside politicians’ homes, military headquarters and on major highways, where they were sprayed with water cannons as they blocked lanes and lit bonfires. Some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity.
In Tel Aviv, among the protesters was a woman carrying a photo of an emaciated child from Gaza. Such images were once rare at Israeli demonstrations but now appear more often as outrage grows over conditions there.
Police said they had arrested 38 people as part of the nationwide demonstration — one of the fiercest since the uproar over six hostages found dead in Gaza last September.
“Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back — it only kills them,” former hostage Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Aviv’s hostage square. “The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.”
Netanyahu and allies oppose any deal that leaves Hamas in power
“Today, we stop everything to save and bring back the hostages and soldiers. Today, we stop everything to remember the supreme value of the sanctity of life,” said Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest. “Today, we stop everything to join hands — right, left, center and everything in between.”
Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Protesters at highway intersections handed out yellow ribbons, the symbol that represents the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the stoppage, said.
Still, an end to the conflict does not appear near. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the immediate release of the hostages but is balancing competing pressures, haunted by the potential for mutiny within his coalition.
“Those who today call for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas’s position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of Oct. 7 will be repeated,” Netanyahu said on Sunday, in an apparent reference to the demonstrations.
The last time Israel agreed to a ceasefire that released hostages, far-right members of his cabinet threatened to topple Netanyahu’s government.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday called the stoppage “a bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas’ hands, buries the hostages in the tunnels and attempts to get Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardize its security and future.”
‘No other option’
Hospitals and eyewitnesses in Gaza reported at least 17 aid-seekers had been killed by Israeli forces on Sunday, including nine awaiting aid trucks close to the Morag corridor.
Hamza Asfour, an aid-seeker, said he was just north of the corridor awaiting a convoy, when Israeli snipers fired, first to disperse the crowds, then from tanks hundreds of meters (yards) away.
He saw two people with gunshot wounds — one in the chest and other in the shoulder.
“It’s either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation,” he said. “There is no other option.”
People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in Tel Aviv, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in Tel Aviv, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
In response to questions about deaths the hospital reported from two incidents near its sites, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the distribution points, said there was no gunfire Sunday “at or near” its sites, which are located in military-controlled areas.
Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions about strikes in the three areas.
Israel’s air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and displaced most of the population. The United Nations is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began.
The Hamas-led attack in 2023 killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 61,900 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.
On Sunday, two children died of malnutrition related causes in Gaza, bringing the total over the last 24 hours to seven, according to the ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.
Aid flow far below what is needed
While demonstrators in Israel demanded a ceasefire, Israel began preparing for an invasion of Gaza City and other populated parts of the besieged strip, aimed at destroying Hamas.
The military body that coordinates its humanitarian aid to Gaza said Sunday that the supply of tents to the territory would resume. COGAT said it would allow the United Nations to resume importing tents and shelter equipment into Gaza ahead of plans to forcibly evacuate people from combat zones “for their protection.”
The majority of assistance has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after a ceasefire collapsed when Israel restarted its offensive. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organizations say the flow is far below what is needed. Some have accused Israel of “weaponizing aid” through blockades and rules they say turn humanitarian assistance into a tool of its political and military goals.
Airstrike on power plant in Yemen
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s capital Sunday, escalating strikes on Iran-backed Houthis, who since the war began have fired missiles at Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthi-run Al-Masirah Television said the strikes targeted a power plant in the southern district of Sanhan, sparking a fire and knocking it out of service. Israel’s military acknowledged Sunday’s strikes, saying they were launched in response to missiles and drones aimed at Israel.
While some projectiles have breached its missile defenses — notably during its 12-day war with Iran in June — Israel has intercepted the vast majority of missiles launched from Yemen.
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Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel and Magdy from Cairo. Sam Mednick contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.
