Ukrainian and European leaders are likely to push back hard on Russia’s demands, but risk casting themselves – in the eyes of the White House, at least – as obstacles to peace.

A few of the leaders were said to have interrupted summer holidays to fly to the United States on less than 24 hours’ notice to meet with the Ukrainian leader.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returns to the White House on Monday for the first time since his infamous clash with President Donald Trump earlier this year, which led to a rupture in relations that threatened to derail Kyiv’s war effort.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that today in Washington, during a joint meeting of the leaders of the United States, Ukraine, European countries, the EU, and NATO, the focus will be on shaping the future security architecture for Ukraine and Europe.

At what was billed as an “historic” presidential summit, hastily put together in Alaska on Friday afternoon, the optics were as clear and overshadowing as the vast Chugach mountains glistening over Anchorage in the summer sun.

European and NATO leaders announced Sunday that they will joining President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington for crucial talks with President Trump.

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Monday, President Trump gestured to his all-black suit. “Best I have,” Zelensky said, according to a video posted on social media by a White House staffer.

The Ukrainian president’s outfit during his visit to the White House Monday reflects a change in tactics since his disastrous meeting with President Trump earlier this year.