US President Donald Trump reignited hopes for a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia on Monday as he warmly welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House for crucial talks.
This meeting marked the first encounter between the two leaders since a tense clash in the Oval Office back in February, and it followed only days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Although divisions remain over the concessions Trump has urged Ukraine to make to Russia, the American president expressed optimism, suggesting there was a “good chance” to bring an end to the war that erupted after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Trump disclosed that he would be speaking with Putin later that same day via phone and voiced his intention to arrange a three-way discussion involving himself, Zelensky, and the Russian leader.
“I think if everything works out well today we’ll have a trilat, and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that,” Trump remarked as he sat in the Oval Office beside Zelensky.
Zelensky, who was supported by a delegation of senior European leaders, commended Trump.
“Thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war,” he said.
Present in Washington to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine were leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, as well as representatives of the European Commission and NATO. Their presence coincided with Trump pressing Kyiv to relinquish Crimea and step back from its aspirations of joining NATO. These European leaders were also scheduled to meet Trump later in the day.
The tone on Monday was a stark contrast to the February visit, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance had openly scolded Zelensky in front of cameras for not being “grateful” enough for US backing.
This time, Trump lightened the mood by complimenting Zelensky on his familiar black jacket, which had drawn criticism from right-wing commentators who argued he should have worn a suit during his previous visit.
“I love it,” Trump said with a smile, gesturing to Zelensky’s attire as the two shook hands outside the West Wing.
Yet, beneath the friendly exchanges, Ukraine and its allies remained cautious, worried that Trump might once again be aligning with Putin’s outlook following the Alaska summit.
With Zelensky insisting that any peace deal must come with strong Western security guarantees, Trump confirmed that the United States would play a role in ensuring Ukraine’s future security.
When pressed on whether this could mean the involvement of American troops, the 79-year-old president left the door open, saying, “we’ll let you know that maybe later today.”
Meanwhile, as European leaders convened in Washington, air raid sirens echoed across Kyiv. Russian strikes overnight left at least seven people dead, according to reports.
Earlier on Monday, Zelensky had joined European leaders in preparatory discussions in Washington, while also holding talks with Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg.
Describing the White House meeting as “very serious,” Zelensky echoed Trump’s familiar phrase “peace through strength” in an attempt to flatter the American leader.
“President Trump has that strength. We have to do everything right to make peace happen,” Zelensky said.
He later posted on social media, calling for a “reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe,” emphasizing that discussions would include Western security guarantees.
Reports have indicated that Putin might be open to the idea of Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal, though he remains firmly opposed to Ukraine’s long-term ambition of joining NATO.
Trump’s recent remarks, however, have unsettled Kyiv and its European partners, as he echoed several Russian narratives.
On Sunday, he asserted that Zelensky could bring the war to a swift conclusion “almost immediately, if he wants to.” Yet Trump also reiterated that Ukraine could never regain Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and that there was “NO GOING INTO NATO.”
On Monday, he reinforced his view that a ceasefire was not necessary for peace talks, maintaining his stance on resolving the conflict without halting hostilities first.
What you should know
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the White House comes at a pivotal moment, with both leaders under pressure to find common ground.
Trump, fresh from talks with Putin, is pushing for concessions from Ukraine, while Zelensky is seeking solid Western security guarantees.
The presence of top European leaders underscored global stakes in the conflict, as Russia continues deadly strikes on Ukraine.
