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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Luke Harding

Zelenskyy’s European ‘bodyguards’: which leaders joined Trump talks in Washington?

Volodymy Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen smile slightly as they leave a media briefing
Volodymy Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

European leaders gathered in Washington on Monday for Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, in a show of support for the Ukrainian president. Their presence came amid expectations that Trump would try to bully Zelenskyy into accepting a pro-Russia “peace plan” that would include Kyiv handing territory to Moscow. The Europeans have been described as Zelenskyy’s “bodyguards”, with memories fresh of the mauling he received in February during his last Oval Office visit. So, who are they?

Mark Rutte

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