Zelensky rallies European support as Trump’s return looms

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and top European leaders in Brussels on Thursday to shore up military aid and strategise Ukraine’s defence. With Trump pushing for a swift resolution to the war, European allies are working to strengthen Kyiv’s position on the battlefield and prepare for potential peace negotiations.

Zelensky already met with Rutte and French president Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. He is also planning to meet with several other leaders, including from Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, and the EU’s institutions. It will be “a very good opportunity to speak about security guarantees for Ukraine, for today and for tomorrow”, the Ukrainian president said.

The discussions will mainly focus on ramping up arms supplies, including air defence systems, to counter intensified Russian attacks, and the preparation for eventual peace talks. Zelensky has softened his stance on peace negotiations lately, suggesting Ukraine could agree to a ceasefire along current lines if guaranteed NATO security and enough weaponry. Talks might therefore also explore the controversial idea of deploying European troops to Ukraine to enforce any ceasefire.

Trump’s Washington

The race of the European leaders to solidify a new strategy for Ukraine is an attempt to prevent a bilateral deal between US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Trump promised to end the war quickly, which has left European leaders bracing for a reduced US role in the conflict and potential pressure on Kyiv to make concessions. Such a deal, officials fear, could sideline Europe and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. 

With only a month left before Trump returns to the White House, European leaders don’t have much time to come up with their own plans. “Europe needs a strong, united position to ensure lasting peace”, Zelensky emphasised upon his arrival in Belgium’s capital. 

^{Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky meets with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte © Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP}