World Leaders Court Unpredictable Trump as White House Talks on Ukraine Begin
In an unprecedented show of urgency, world leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have gathered at the White House for hastily arranged talks on the war in Ukraine. The meeting, called just days after Donald Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, underscores the pivotal role the U.S. president now plays in determining the future of the conflict. A High-Stakes Meeting Diplomatic sources described the gathering as an “organic” next step after Trump’s discussions with Putin. Unlike in Alaska, where Europeans were absent, today they will dominate the room. For Trump, often at ease in the spotlight, the gathering serves as a platform to showcase his influence as a global convener. For the Europeans, it is a critical opportunity to pin down exactly what Trump is willing to guarantee in terms of Ukraine’s security—and what, if anything, he may have already discussed with Putin on land or territorial control swaps. Lessons From February The urgency is shaped by the memory of a disastrous Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tense exchange that rattled European capitals. Since then, leaders across Europe have recalibrated—boosting their own defense spending and pursuing personal ties with Trump. Whether through Starmer’s state visit, Finland’s Alexander Stubb joining Trump on the golf course, or Italy’s Giorgia Meloni aligning her rhetoric with his, each leader has sought to stay on Trump’s good side for precisely this kind of moment. What’s at Stake European leaders are expected to flatter Trump while issuing subtle warnings. They will frame him as the architect of a potential peace deal—an achievement that could cement his legacy—while stressing the need for continued U.S. commitment to Europe and resistance against Russian demands. Central to the talks will be whether Trump is prepared to offer Ukraine binding security guarantees and whether Putin might accept a U.S.-European pact short of NATO membership. Yet ambiguity looms large: vague agreements might yield a quick fix but could prove unsustainable in the long run. Optics and Outcomes Much will hinge not only on the substance of discussions but also on optics. Analysts note Trump often blurs the line between detail and spectacle, with even minor gestures—such as Zelenskyy’s choice of attire—becoming symbolic flashpoints. Beyond the closed doors, the world will watch for signs of whether today’s meeting produces a genuine framework for peace or simply another dramatic episode in an unpredictable diplomatic process.