The White House became the center of international diplomacy as U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for high-stakes talks on the war in Ukraine.
Trump confirmed that preparations are underway for a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He announced on Truth Social that this bilateral session, at a location still to be determined, will be followed by a trilateral summit including himself. The stated goal: restoring peace after nearly four years of war.
According to Zelensky, Putin signaled readiness for talks during a phone call with Trump. “The U.S. President supports a trilateral meeting, but all three parties must agree,” Zelensky told reporters after leaving the White House. He noted that Russia proposed a bilateral meeting first, followed by a trilateral session with Trump.
Trump: “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace”
Trump described the White House gathering with Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as “a very good, early step.”
He highlighted discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, stressing that Europe would serve as the first line of defense with U.S. backing. Trump later phoned Putin, saying the process toward direct talks had begun.
Zelensky: Security guarantees within ten days
Zelensky expressed confidence that the war could be brought to an end, emphasizing that Western allies intend to finalize Ukraine’s security guarantees “within ten days.” These guarantees, he explained, aim to prevent any renewed Russian offensive in the event of a peace agreement.
He also confirmed his readiness to meet Putin directly, adding that the sensitive issue of territorial disputes “will be discussed between me and Putin.”
Security, territory, and ceasefire debates
During bilateral and expanded discussions, Trump and Zelensky agreed that security guarantees are now the central issue. Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s need for troops, equipment, and intelligence support, while Trump insisted that Russia has already signaled willingness to accept such guarantees.
On the territorial question, Trump repeatedly suggested that land exchanges could form part of a settlement. Zelensky countered that this is a matter only for the trilateral summit with Putin.
European leaders, however, were not fully aligned with Trump’s vision. Macron and Merz stressed that progress requires a ceasefire, while von der Leyen, Meloni, and Starmer emphasized the need for robust security guarantees.
Trump concluded that the ultimate aim is “a long and lasting peace,” insisting that a ceasefire is not necessary if a trilateral agreement can be reached.
