Trump, Zelensky, and European Leaders Begin White House Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Peace Deal
US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders met at the White House to discuss a Russia-Ukraine war peace deal, focusing on security guarantees and a possible trilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin.
High-Stakes Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Peace Deal Begin in Washington
United States President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and top European leaders gathered at the White House on Monday for critical discussions aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, described as one of the most decisive since the conflict began, focused heavily on security guarantees for Kyiv and the possibility of direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said the negotiations would determine “who will do what” in terms of commitments to Ukraine’s defense. He hinted that a resolution could be achieved the same day if all sides agreed on the framework.
Security Guarantees Dominate White House Agenda
For European leaders, ensuring long-term security for Ukraine was the top priority. They urged Trump to adopt a firm stance against Putin, arguing that only a robust plan could prevent future aggression.
Zelensky confirmed that security assurances were his central demand, saying Ukraine needed “everything” — from weapons and intelligence to training and humanitarian support. He expressed optimism after what he described as a “very good conversation” with Trump earlier in the day.
“We spoke about very sensitive points,” Zelensky said, adding that he welcomed the idea of a trilateral meeting with Putin.
Trump Signals Openness to Ceasefire and Peace Deal
Inside the Oval Office, Trump told reporters there was a “reasonable chance” of reaching a peace deal if a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky materialized.
“I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason: because you’d stop killing people immediately,” Trump said. However, he acknowledged that a ceasefire could also give one side time to rebuild militarily, potentially complicating negotiations.
Despite this concern, Trump stressed that his administration remained committed to brokering peace while supporting Ukraine through its European allies.
European Leaders Push for Inclusive Peace Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that any deal with Putin must involve European leaders since “security guarantees for Ukraine mean security for the entire continent.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump’s position a “breakthrough,” saying it had broken the deadlock in peace negotiations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted on a ceasefire before more talks could proceed, while Finnish President Alexander Stubb described the Washington meeting as a turning point.
“In the past two weeks, we’ve had more progress than in the past three and a half years,” Stubb said, pointing to Finland’s long border and shared history with Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this optimism, pledging that Europe was “prepared to step up to the plate” in support of Kyiv’s defense.
Ukraine’s Needs: Patriots, NATO Support, and Humanitarian Aid
Zelensky welcomed a new NATO initiative allowing allies to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of US-made Patriot air defense systems, calling them “vital” for defending Ukraine’s skies.
“We’re thankful for this program and this opportunity,” Zelensky said. “Nobody in Europe has so many air defense systems like Patriots. We need it very much.”
Trump praised the arrangement, noting that the US was selling rather than giving equipment, ensuring allies carried the financial burden.
Zelensky also underscored humanitarian concerns, particularly the plight of children abducted during the war. He thanked Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for writing a letter to Putin addressing this issue.
What Comes Next in the Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks?
While no immediate deal was announced, Trump hinted that he would call Putin soon to discuss the possibility of a trilateral meeting. Both Ukrainian and European leaders expressed cautious optimism, framing the talks as a crucial step toward ending the war.
International observers noted that the willingness of Trump, Zelensky, and European allies to sit at the same table marked a rare moment of alignment. Whether Putin will accept the invitation remains the central question in determining if a lasting Russia-Ukraine peace deal is within reach.
