European leaders have rushed to Washington after President Donald Trump signalled a sharp change in his approach to the Ukraine war following talks with Vladimir Putin. Trump abandoned earlier demands for a ceasefire as a condition for peace talks and ruled out further sanctions on Russia, a move that European officials fear tilts US policy closer to Moscow, BBC reported.

France’s Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and other EU and NATO leaders quickly altered their schedules to urge Trump against backing a settlement that leaves Ukraine weakened or cedes the Donbas to Russia. They argue Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed through long-term military strength, allied funding and intelligence support, not vague assurances or demilitarisation.

According to BBC, the leaders’ immediate goal is to slow talk of land-for-peace deals and instead press for a ceasefire framework, broader security guarantees for Europe, and a potential trilateral summit involving Trump, Zelensky and Putin.