A powerful chorus of caution has arrived in Washington, as European leaders gather to urge President Donald Trump to rethink his “peace plan” for Ukraine. The delegation is in town to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to face pressure to accept a deal involving the surrender of territory.
This “bodybodyguard” visit is a coordinated effort to prevent what European allies see as a hasty and dangerous move. The core message, articulated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is to persuade Trump not to act “over the heads of Ukrainians and Europeans.”
Merz, the leader of Europe’s largest economy, has already proven he can hold his own in a face-off with Trump. He will argue for a more deliberate, coordinated approach that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and considers the long-term security implications for the entire continent.
His voice is amplified by others in the delegation. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Trump’s plan is a “non-starter,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists on the principle of territorial integrity. Together, they hope their collective cautionary tone will resonate in the Oval Office and avert a diplomatic crisis.