
German, French, UK leaders yet to decide on US trip for Zelensky meeting
The governments of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are still weighing whether their leaders will travel to the United States for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to media reports.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to coordinate on Sunday to make a joint decision, Germany’s Bild daily reported. However, an official US invitation would be required before such a visit could be confirmed.
Bild added that while Trump suggested Zelensky invite European politicians to attend, no formal invitations have yet been issued. European leaders are reportedly cautious about participating in a meeting that could be perceived as a publicity exercise rather than a substantive peace effort.
Meanwhile, the three leaders plan to hold a virtual conference on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. GMT) to discuss “next steps as part of the discussion on peace in Ukraine.” The Elysee Palace has previously confirmed that this “coalition of the willing” intends to coordinate strategy closely on Ukraine.
The discussions follow Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska. The nearly three-hour talks included private and small-group sessions with senior officials from both sides.
Reports suggest Trump has floated a controversial peace proposal in which Ukraine would relinquish the remaining Donbass territories to Russia in exchange for security guarantees for Kyiv and Europe, alongside a ceasefire along current battle lines.
Trump has described his talks with Putin as “very productive” and is now preparing to meet Zelensky at the White House on Monday. If those talks go well, he has signaled willingness to hold another meeting with Putin to advance negotiations.