In a dramatic turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is poised to meet with European leaders and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington today, amid mounting pressure to secure a peace deal that could end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The stakes have never been higher as Zelensky arrives in the U.S., where he is expected to engage in crucial discussions with key figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

This high-stakes meeting comes on the heels of Trump’s recent claims that Zelensky holds the key to a swift resolution to the war. In a tweet, Trump suggested that a trilateral summit with him, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin could be convened in Europe as early as this week. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with European leaders eager to understand Trump’s proposed security guarantees—a potential alternative to NATO’s Article 5 that might be palatable for Putin.

As tensions rise, the financial markets are reacting nervously, with significant declines noted across European indices and U.S. futures. The looming Jackson Hole economic summit this Friday adds another layer of uncertainty, as investors await potential signals from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding interest rate cuts that could reshape economic forecasts.

Zelensky’s arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment. He has expressed a willingness to negotiate a quick end to the war, echoing Trump’s assertion that the resolution lies in Ukraine’s hands. With the backdrop of a potential ceasefire and territory negotiations, the world watches closely to see if this gathering will yield a breakthrough or merely prolong the conflict. As the clock ticks, the outcomes of today’s discussions could redefine the geopolitical landscape and bring hope for peace in Ukraine.