×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
09
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 9°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

Diplomatic frenzy over Ukraine: von der Leyen, Starmer, Macron, Merz, and Meloni to join Trump–Zelensky meeting at the White House

Today in Brussels, Zelensky will attend a videoconference of the “Coalition of the Willing” – Meloni cut short her vacation – Also present in Washington will be Finland’s Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Newsroom August 17 03:08

European leaders, the President of the European Commission, and the NATO Secretary General will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his meeting tomorrow with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

In consecutive statements this afternoon, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer all announced they will travel to Washington for the meeting, which comes in the wake of Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

At 16:00 Athens time today, a videoconference is scheduled among leaders of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” allies of Kyiv.

Von der Leyen: I will attend at Zelensky’s invitation

Ursula von der Leyen announced on X that she will take part in tomorrow’s White House meeting between Trump and Zelensky. She clarified that she accepted the invitation following a request from Zelensky, whom she will host in Brussels today.

>Related articles

Maduro in custody in New York: Photographed in handcuffs at DEA headquarters – Live updates on developments in Venezuela

Trump says US has ‘captured’ President Maduro following Caracas strikes

One year of Donald Trump’s presidency: Developments during the first 365 days

“This afternoon I will welcome Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Together we will take part in the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ meeting by videoconference. At the request of President Zelensky, tomorrow I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders at the White House,” wrote the Commission President.

Announcements from European leaders traveling to Washington

Confirmed attendees for tomorrow’s Washington meeting include Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Alexander Stubb, Giorgia Meloni, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • The French presidency announced: “President Emmanuel Macron will travel tomorrow to Washington with President Zelensky and several European leaders to continue coordination between Europe and the United States in pursuit of a just and sustainable peace that safeguards Ukraine’s vital interests and European security.”
  • German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius said Chancellor Merz will travel “for political talks with President Zelensky and other European heads of state and government.” He explained that the trip will serve as an exchange with President Trump following his summit with Putin in Alaska. The talks will address peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial issues, and ongoing support for Ukraine’s defense, including maintaining sanctions pressure.
  • Italian media reported that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cut short her holiday and returned to Rome on Sunday to prepare for the U.S. trip. Her participation was confirmed at midday.
  • NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend, according to his office: “The Secretary General will participate in a meeting hosted by the U.S. President.”
  • Downing Street stated: “At tomorrow’s White House meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with other European partners, is ready to support this next phase of talks and will reaffirm that his support for Ukraine will continue for as long as necessary.”

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#Meloni#Trump#Von der Leyen
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Zelensky: The document with security guarantees for Ukraine is ready for Trump’s approval

January 8, 2026

What is happening with the Crete – Cyprus cable: Nexans changes timetable, signal of acceleration from Israel

January 8, 2026

Winter sales 2026: When they start and on which Sundays the shops will be open

January 8, 2026

Syria: Fierce fighting with the Kurds in Aleppo, the army ordered the evacuation of residents

January 8, 2026

Any Western troops in Ukraine will be considered “legitimate targets”, Russia warns

January 8, 2026

Uprising against the Mullahs in Iran: Large protests, citizen drives car into Police, the country without internet

January 8, 2026

Papastavrou met with Archbishop Ieronymos: The State recognizes, honors and supports the contribution of the Church

January 8, 2026

Audiovisual production in Greece is a driver of economic growth, with revenues of almost €1 billion according to an SPI study

January 8, 2026
All News

> Lifestyle

Emily Ratajkowski in Athens with Romain Gavras

The model shared images from her trip to Greece

January 2, 2026

Sakkari on the marriage proposal from Konstantinos Mitsotakis: “I am a very lucky girl”

January 2, 2026

Konstantinos Mitsotakis proposed to Maria Sakkari

January 1, 2026

Chiara Ferragni: A photo album from her trip to Colombia

December 30, 2025

Maria Callas: The fateful love with Onassis and the divorce that took 11 years

December 30, 2025
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα