White House Meeting Sets Stage for Ukraine-Russia Summit
Leaders aim for trilateral summit to resolve Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that their Monday meeting with European leaders at the White House could pave the way for trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The discussions, involving leaders from France, Germany, Britain, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO, focused on securing peace and bolstering Ukraine’s security.
“I think President Putin wants a resolution too,” Trump told Zelenskyy and the European leaders. “Within a week or two, we’ll know if we can solve this or if the fighting continues.” Trump endorsed European-led security guarantees for Ukraine, describing a “NATO-like” framework, but did not commit U.S. troops, saying details would be finalized with EU leaders. “They want to provide protection, and we’ll support them,” he added.
The meeting marked a shift from a tense February encounter when Trump abruptly halted talks with Zelenskyy, citing insufficient gratitude for U.S. aid, and temporarily paused some support for Kyiv. This time, Zelenskyy presented a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, to Melania Trump, reciprocating a letter Melania sent to Putin urging consideration for children affected by the 3.5-year war.
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Trump lightheartedly noted Ukraine’s delay of elections due to martial law, joking that such a move wouldn’t sit well in the U.S. Zelenskyy, criticized in February for wearing a casual T-shirt, appeared in a formal jacket and shirt, a departure from his wartime attire symbolizing solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers.
The White House meeting followed Trump’s Friday summit with Putin in Alaska, where he suggested Ukraine might need to concede territory, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine. “If today’s talks succeed, we’ll have a trilateral meeting with Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said, planning to speak with Putin soon.
Zelenskyy voiced openness to trilateral talks, emphasizing the need for lasting peace. In a Sunday post, he said, “Peace must be reliable, not a springboard for new attacks,” referencing Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and parts of Donbas, which led to the 2022 invasion.
European Leaders Rally for Peace
European leaders, excluded from Trump’s Putin meeting, sought to safeguard Ukraine and prevent further Russian aggression. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a ceasefire at the proposed trilateral talks, while French President Emmanuel Macron praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts but stressed Russia’s role in de-escalation. “We must explore all solutions to ensure peace, justice, and security,” said Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump’s support for security guarantees a “breakthrough,” while Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s needs: a strong army bolstered by weapons and training, and firm commitments from the U.S., EU, and NATO. European leaders pressed for clarity on U.S. involvement in these guarantees.
Trump’s team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, suggested a NATO-like defense commitment for Ukraine, with details pending. European officials noted Putin’s demand for control over all of Donbas, despite Ukraine retaining significant portions, a condition Zelenskyy rejects as unconstitutional and a potential trigger for future attacks.
A Diplomatic Push Amid Tensions
The meeting’s urgency stemmed from Trump’s recent Alaska talks with Putin, where he shifted from demanding an immediate ceasefire to seeking a final peace settlement, aligning closer to Putin’s position. This raised concerns among European leaders, who arrived in Washington to protect Ukraine’s interests in a rare display of unified diplomacy.
Zelenskyy aimed to avoid being blamed for stalling peace by rejecting Putin’s demands on Donbas. Trump’s earlier suggestion that Ukraine might not reclaim Crimea drew a sharp response from Zelenskyy, who stressed that a lasting peace must prevent Russia from exploiting territorial gains.
As discussions continue, Trump’s push for trilateral talks signals a bold effort to resolve one of the deadliest conflicts in recent history. The outcome of these negotiations, expected to clarify within weeks, could determine whether Ukraine secures lasting peace or faces continued aggression on its eastern borders.
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