Ukraine and its European allies are seeking to persuade President Trump that a cease-fire is a prerequisite for peace talks with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the White House on Monday, days after President Donald Trump warmly received Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Zelensky will meet with Trump alongside European allies including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz,

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.

The leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Italy are among those who flew to Washington, D.C. on short notice to attend meetings with President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

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.