Trump-Zelensky Meeting
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House on Monday, joined by top European leaders in a high-stakes discussion aimed at finding a path to end the war with Russia.
A Crucial Meeting After the Putin Summit
The meeting comes just days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. During that encounter, Putin rejected a cease-fire and demanded Ukraine cede territory in its east in exchange for halting advances elsewhere.
Trump called Monday’s meeting following the summit, signaling a renewed push for negotiations.
Warmer Tone Between Trump and Zelensky
In their opening exchange, both leaders struck a noticeably warmer tone compared to their last Oval Office meeting in February, which had devolved into a tense confrontation.
- Zelensky expressed repeated gratitude to the U.S. for its support.
- Trump praised Zelensky’s leadership and struck an optimistic note, suggesting progress toward a permanent resolution.
Zelensky, criticized earlier this year for his informal attire, appeared in a formal suit this time and received compliments from Trump.
Key Agenda: Security Guarantees for Ukraine
One of the central topics of discussion was what security guarantees Ukraine would receive in any potential peace deal.
- Zelensky responded that Ukraine needs “everything” to ensure lasting protection.
- Trump suggested the U.S. and European allies may support a NATO-like arrangement to deter future Russian aggression.
Trump stressed: “I think it’s very important to get the deal done.”
Balancing U.S. Support and Russian Demands
Zelensky’s challenge is twofold:
- Retain U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense.
- Avoid accepting Russia’s sweeping territorial demands.
While the Trump administration has recently signaled support for stronger security guarantees, Moscow continues to push for concessions, including land it has not fully captured.
European Leaders at the White House
Several European leaders joined the talks, including:
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte
Their presence underlined Europe’s stake in Ukraine’s future and its role in shaping any eventual settlement.
