Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set for crucial “Coalition of the Willing” talks on Friday. This follows a fiery showdown with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week that left European allies on edge.
White House Meeting Erupts Into Shouting Match
According to the Financial Times and European officials close to the talks, the October 17 meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump repeatedly became a “shouting match” with Trump reportedly cursing throughout.
At one point, Trump angrily threw Ukrainian battlefield maps aside, frustrated by constantly seeing the frontline details. The US president echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s talking points closely, telling Zelenskyy Putin viewed the conflict as a “special operation, not even a war.”
“If [Putin] wants it, he will destroy you,” Trump warned Zelenskyy, mirroring Putin’s own words.
Trump reportedly pressed Zelenskyy to surrender the entire Donbas region to Russia — a red line Ukraine has fiercely rejected.
No Tomahawks, No Thanks: Zelenskyy Leaves Weaponless
Zelenskyy left the tense White House meeting empty-handed, missing out on the advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles he had hoped for. Trump made clear he isn’t currently considering supplying Ukraine with long-range missile systems.
In a poised NBC News interview after, Zelenskyy said: “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, didn’t say ‘yes.’”
Europe Ramps Up Support as US Commitment Doubts Grow
Following the White House drama, British PM Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders. They reaffirmed strong backing for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression.
A UK government statement confirmed plans for Friday’s Coalition of the Willing call — co-chaired by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — aimed at cementing support and coordinating actions.
Starmer separately stressed the UK’s “resolute support” to Zelenskyy, calling Russia’s delay tactics proof that Ukraine is serious about peace.
European leaders like Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Council President António Costa echoed their commitment to continue military, financial, and diplomatic aid to Kiev. Zelenskyy is expected to visit London for talks this week.
Zelenskyy Stands Firm Despite Trump’s Putin-Style Warnings
Despite Trump’s grim warnings and pressure to cede territory, Zelenskyy remains defiant. He told NBC News: “We are not losing this war, and Putin is not winning.” Zelenskyy also expressed willingness to attend a possible Trump-Putin summit in Budapest, although no invitation has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Trump painted a strikingly different picture in a Truth Social post, calling the meeting “very interesting, and cordial,” and urging both sides to “Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Europeans worry Trump’s public optimism masks a dangerous alignment with Putin’s narrative — raising fears over the reliability of American support.
As US Wavers, Europe Steps Up
With the US stance shaky, European nations look ready to fill any void. Collectively, they have delivered more aid to Ukraine than America. But questions remain if Europe can match Washington’s military muscle if US support dwindles.
Friday’s talks and the coming weeks will be a decisive test of Western unity behind Ukraine — and whether Zelenskyy can hold the line against Russian aggression without full US backing.
