European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have gathered in Washington for high-stakes talks with Donald Trump as tensions rise over Ukraine's relationship with NATO and Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Amid rumors of division within the European Union over how to approach the situation, Trump has reportedly pressured Zelenskyy to take a hard stance against Russia and reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to joining NATO. The meeting comes as European leaders seek to navigate a delicate dance between maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia while supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.

Zelenskyy, a former comedian turned politician, has faced criticism for his handling of the crisis, with some accusing him of being too conciliatory towards Moscow. However, the Ukrainian leader has remained firm in his support for Ukraine's European aspirations and has called for a united front in the face of Russian aggression.

As European leaders gather in Washington, all eyes are on the outcome of the talks and the potential implications for the future of Ukraine's relationship with the EU and NATO.