Ukraine requires authentic security assurances, including backing from the United States, according to Lithuania's president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due in Washington on Monday for a series of high-profile meetings, including a one-on-one with US President Donald Trump. The discussions come amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with the Kremlin's invasion of the country more than three years ago.
Zelensky is also expected to meet with European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. These meetings are scheduled to take place in Washington on Monday as well.
Trump's meeting with Zelensky follows the Alaska summit, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Alaska summit resulted in an agreement for "robust security guarantees" for Ukraine, according to White House envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Trump has ruled out an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
Securing a ceasefire in Ukraine was one of Trump's core demands before the Alaska summit. The need for a strong Ukrainian military has been emphasised by several leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who called for international pressure to increase due to Russia's refusal to stop the killings in Ukraine. Military support is considered vital for Ukraine to gain leverage in negotiations.
Nauseda also stated that Ukraine needs real security guarantees, including reassurance forces with US support. This sentiment was echoed by Zelensky, who has been advocating for Ukraine's own military strength.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the Alaska summit yielded no breakthrough. The meetings between Zelensky and the world leaders in Washington this Monday will likely continue the discussions on how to best support Ukraine and bring an end to the conflict.
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