Trump Eyes Ukraine Peace Talks During NATO Summit Meetings With Zelensky, Syrian President

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, the White House announced on Sunday. The meetings come as Washington seeks to advance diplomatic efforts on two of the world's most pressing security crises—the war in Ukraine and the evolving political situation in Syria. The discussions are expected to focus on regional stability, conflict resolution and broader international cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that Trump will meet both leaders on Wednesday afternoon during the summit. While the meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa is expected to address developments in Syria and regional security, Trump's discussions with Zelensky will largely centre on efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. The conflict, now in its fifth year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, has resulted in significant military and humanitarian losses while reshaping Europe's security landscape.

A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said ending the Ukraine war remains one of Trump's foremost foreign policy priorities. The official noted that the meeting with Zelensky is intended to explore possible pathways toward a negotiated settlement and assess the current state of diplomatic engagement. According to the official, Trump also plans to hold a follow-up conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his discussions with the Ukrainian leader, as part of continuing efforts to encourage dialogue between the two sides.

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The announcement follows separate telephone conversations Trump held with Putin and Zelensky on Saturday during commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. Although the White House did not disclose specific details of the calls, they highlighted Washington's continued engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv at a time when international efforts to secure a ceasefire have yet to produce a breakthrough. Diplomatic initiatives involving the United States and European allies have continued alongside military support for Ukraine, even as fighting remains intense across multiple fronts.

Trump and Zelensky most recently met during the G7 summit in France in June, where leaders agreed to intensify pressure on Russia in an effort to bring the conflict to an end. The summit reaffirmed continued Western support for Ukraine and underscored the importance of maintaining coordination among allies. Since then, discussions have continued over sanctions, military assistance and potential diplomatic channels that could eventually pave the way for peace negotiations.

The NATO summit in Turkey is expected to provide a key platform for leaders to discuss collective security challenges extending beyond the Ukraine conflict. The alliance continues to monitor developments across Europe and the Middle East, with member nations expected to review defence cooperation, deterrence strategies and regional security concerns. Trump's bilateral meetings with Zelensky and al-Sharaa are likely to be closely watched for indications of any new diplomatic initiatives or shifts in US foreign policy. While no major announcements have been outlined ahead of the talks, the meetings reflect continued efforts by Washington to engage directly with key leaders as it seeks to address conflicts that remain central to global security and international diplomacy.

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