Europe Tense as Trump Prepares to Lash Zelensky in Washington Again

US President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 18 at the White House, with American officials pushing Kyiv to agree on a framework for a future peace deal while Europe braces for possible tensions. US Seeks Consensus on Peace Framework According to US envoy Steven Witkoff, Washington hopes to secure a unified position from Kyiv on the outlines of a settlement. Speaking with CNN, Witkoff said the priority is to achieve “real consensus” from Zelensky and his team. If successful, he explained, the US would be able “to go back to the Russians and move this peace agreement forward.” A Packed Schedule of Talks in Washington The bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky is scheduled for 20:15 Moscow time. Prior to that, a series of arrivals and sessions will take place at the White House, including the arrival of European leaders at 19:00, Zelensky’s greeting at 20:00, and a wider EU meeting later in the evening. At 21:15 Trump will meet European leaders, followed by a joint photo at 21:30, and formal talks at 22:00.