US President Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders at the White House on Monday for critical discussions on ending Russia’s three-year war in Ukraine. The high-stakes meeting comes just days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump shifted his approach by dropping the precondition of a ceasefire and aligning with Putin’s call for negotiations focused on a long-term settlement.

The presence of several European leaders underscores the significance of the conflict for continental security. They aim to safeguard Ukraine and prevent further Russian aggression while showing support for Zelenskyy, especially after his previous tense visit to Washington. Initially, Trump and Zelenskyy will hold a private meeting before engaging with European representatives.

“The stakes could not be higher for the continent,” said Nigel Gould-Davies, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noting that Trump’s policy decisions could shape not only Ukraine’s security but Europe’s future as well.

Despite Trump’s renewed diplomatic push, major obstacles remain. Russia demands that Ukraine cede the Donbas region, while Kyiv rejects this outright, citing its constitutional ban on surrendering territory. Putin also wants recognition of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014—another non-negotiable point for Ukraine.

In a social media post Sunday, Trump suggested Zelenskyy could “end the war almost immediately” if he chooses, signaling pressure on Ukraine to compromise. As part of a proposed deal, Moscow reportedly offered a security guarantee for Ukraine akin to NATO’s collective defense pledge, though details remain unclear.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, are expected at the talks. Macron warned that weakening Ukraine’s position would risk “preparing the conflicts of tomorrow” across Europe.

Meanwhile, fighting continues along a 1,000-kilometer front line, with Russia holding about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine faces mounting pressure as Russian forces make incremental gains in the Donetsk region. Both sides have intensified long-range strikes: a Russian drone attack on Kharkiv killed six people, including two children, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones overnight.

A comprehensive peace deal appears distant, but Washington hopes this summit will pave the way for progress in ending one of Europe’s most consequential conflicts in decades.