I do not want to hide that I was not completely sure that it would go like this. But my expectations were not only fulfilled, they were exceeded, said the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the meeting.
He believes that the Europeans managed to speak to Trump with a "united voice". But when the talks were over, the leaders held separate press conferences.
Among other things, it is reported that Trump and the European leaders have come closer to each other regarding security guarantees to Ukraine, and that the US will contribute to these. NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte describes it as "a breakthrough", but what the parties have agreed on is not yet fully clarified.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the leaders, among other things, agree that the Ukrainian defense must not be restricted in the event of a potential peace agreement.
We will need a strong Ukrainian army and we will need to help Ukraine with soldiers on the ground, said Macron.
He also urged to step up sanctions against Russia if Putin does not agree to a peace agreement.
If this process is ultimately met with refusal, we are also ready to say that we must increase the sanctions.
Also participating in the meeting were EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Zelenskyj's last meeting with Donald Trump ended with the Ukrainian president being scolded by both Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
