It became known as the “Great European Charm Offensive.”

Just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was set to arrive in Washington for a Monday meeting with Donald Trump, a stream of statements came from various European capitals, confirming that Zelenskyy wouldn’t be making the trip alone.

Rather than standing solo, Zelenskyy would be joined by seven influential European leaders—key figures with substantial economic and military influence and a track record of strong communication with the U.S. president. Clearing their calendars at short notice, they joined the Ukrainian president in what one expert, former Foreign Office official Simon McDonald, called “one of the strangest diplomatic gatherings in recent history.”

The rush reflected the high stakes. Just days earlier, Trump had held a meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin—who faces charges from the international criminal court. The U.S. leader expressed interest in a ceasefire before the summit but emerged aligned with Russian positions. As Trump shifted responsibility to Zelenskyy to secure peace, officials in Moscow responded with celebration.

This united front from Europe was not only a move to prevent a repeat of Trump’s past confrontations with Zelenskyy but also a significant diplomatic show of unity aimed at countering potential new threats from Moscow. Leaders from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Finland, alongside EU and NATO representatives, arrived in Washington to underline their shared stance.

The meetings reflected how much had been learned from previous experiences with Trump. European leaders applied tact and praise in hopes of creating common ground. Zelenskyy, more measured than before, opened his remarks with multiple thank-yous directed at Trump. Dressed in a blend of formal and military attire—a look described by some as “combat formal”—his presentation sought to balance respect and seriousness.

Matthias Matthijs, a senior fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations, compared this dynamic to Europe’s trade history with Trump. “Expectations always begin high and then are typically let down by Trump’s responses or statements,” he explained. “When both sides meet again, they settle for a compromise—not ideal, but better than the worst-case scenario. Europe keeps moving forward.”

Fabrizio Tassinari, of the European University Institute, emphasized the unexpected unity Trump’s leadership fostered. "As someone who has long observed Europe’s fragmented foreign and defense strategies, witnessing seven leaders deliver a consistent message was a striking moment," he wrote.

While the unusual gathering made headlines, uncertainties remained about what practical outcomes might follow. On Monday, Trump and several European heads of state claimed that Putin had agreed to meet with Zelenskyy in person within weeks.

However, officials in Moscow have not confirmed any such plan. An aide to Putin mentioned only that there was discussion about elevating the level of participation in future Ukraine negotiations.

Trump also mentioned the possibility of American involvement in security guarantees for Ukraine, contingent on a peace agreement. Yet the details were unclear. Though he dismissed the idea of sending U.S. troops, he suggested air support as a potential option.

Concerns persist regarding the content of Trump’s negotiations in Alaska and what promises, if any, Putin may have actually made. Russian affairs journalist Pjotr Sauer noted that some experts worry Trump could have misread Putin’s stance and inflated the significance of their agreement.

Others, like Hope for Ukraine director Yuriy Boyechko, suggested that Trump may be creating a path for the U.S. to exit the conflict by entertaining Russia’s demands—such as Ukraine pulling out of contested regions. Zelenskyy, however, remains firm: there will be no withdrawal or recognition of Russia’s territorial control.

Boyechko warned that Putin’s proposed “peace deal” was likely designed to be unacceptable for Ukraine, enabling Trump to blame Zelenskyy and cut off U.S. support. Meanwhile, Russia's military strikes continued undeterred.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, Boyechko stressed that symbolic gestures wouldn't be enough. “Ukraine and its allies must accept the urgent need to forge their own path toward defense and peace,” he said. “Because the possibility that Trump may exit these talks is becoming more real by the day.”