Zelensky in Brussels Ahead of Washington Visit

Zelensky meets Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels as European leaders coordinate before a pivotal Washington trip.

Zelensky in Brussels Ahead of Washington Visit

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels for a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A joint press briefing is planned, followed by a meeting of leaders gathered for the coalition of the willing. Von der Leyen will accompany Zelensky on the trip to the United States for a meeting with President Donald Trump, signaling ongoing European backing as Washington prepares for diplomacy.

In Alaska, Trump and Putin met but produced no breakthrough. European allies welcomed the contacts but warned that the talks face fragile dynamics and political risk at home. Officials privately fear a repeat of past disputes over Ukraine aid that could complicate funding and policy commitments.

The Brussels stop underlines a coordinated effort to show European unity on Ukraine and to sustain political and military backing as the war continues. It also tests how far publics in EU capitals will support sustained budgets for defense and aid while elections loom. The Washington leg of the trip aims to align U.S. and European positions before broader talks, a sign that Kyiv seeks durable support rather than quick promises.

Yet the diplomacy is delicate. The Alaska meeting demonstrated how quickly tensions can flare when leaders with different priorities sit at the table. Public opinion, electoral considerations, and budget scrutiny at home could shape what allies are willing to commit in coming months, even as Zelensky presses for continuity of aid and cooperation.

Highlights

The next moves in Brussels and Washington will reveal how far allies are willing to go.