European leaders urgently head to US to aid Ukraine and safeguard European security.

European leaders, including Starmer and Macron, visited Washington to address concerns over US President Trump's shift in strategy regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump's decision to forgo a ceasefire and reluctance to impose further sanctions on Russia prompted the European leaders to act swiftly to safeguard European security interests.

President Macron of France criticized Russia's proposed peace terms as a form of capitulation. The European leaders, despite disruptions to their schedules, felt compelled to address the implications of Trump's altered approach following his meeting with Putin.

The European leaders engaged in discussions to influence the White House's stance on key issues related to Ukraine, emphasizing the broader implications for European security beyond Ukraine's borders. They sought to convey the necessity of maintaining a strong Ukrainian military supported by allied nations to deter Russian aggression.

There were concerns that pressuring Trump too aggressively could lead to a breakdown in negotiations. The European delegation, hastily assembled, faced challenges in presenting a unified front on commitments to Ukraine's security and the potential establishment of a European-based reassurance force post-conflict.

The European leaders aimed to steer discussions towards establishing foundational principles for future negotiations, potentially involving a trilateral summit with Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. They emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire before delving into detailed negotiations on territorial matters.