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The White House meeting came shortly after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without securing a ceasefire.
Trump and Zelenskyy with European Leaders | Image: AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to the White House on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump, as efforts continued to halt the conflict with Russia.
The meeting came shortly after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without securing a ceasefire.
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Speaking after the high-level session, which included European leaders, NATO officials and Zelenskyy, Trump said steps were being taken to arrange a direct meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents.
He described the effort as a “very good, early step” toward ending the nearly four-year-old conflict.
“Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine,” Trump said.
Trump said he called Putin after Monday’s talks. “I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” he said.
The Kremlin later confirmed the call, saying Putin thanked Trump for the hospitality and discussions during the Alaska summit. Russian news outlets reported the phone conversation lasted 40 minutes, with both leaders supporting continued direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
Trump said the first meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin would be followed by a three-way session. “After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself,” he said.
Trump-Zelenskyy Talks: Key Takeaways
Security Guarantees Discussed
During the White House meeting, Trump said discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine to be provided by European nations, with US involvement. He did not outline specifics but suggested Washington’s role could extend beyond political support.
The president said Europe was the “first line of defence,” but added, “We’ll be involved. We’ll give them good protection.” When asked whether US guarantees might include American troops, Trump did not rule it out.
Trump also noted that during last week’s Alaska summit, Putin had agreed that any peace deal must include security guarantees for Ukraine.
At a news conference later in the day, Zelenskyy said the guarantees would include a $90 billion arms package from the United States. He said the deal covered aviation systems, anti-missile systems, and “other things I will not disclose.”
Show Of Unity
The Washington talks also served as a show of unity among European leaders, many of whom expressed support for Trump despite ongoing disputes over trade and tariffs.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, addressing Trump, said: “Dear Donald, if we play this well, we could end it.”
In an interview later with Fox News, Rutte described Trump as “amazing” and said territorial concessions by Ukraine were not discussed.
“First, we need full clarity on security guidelines,” he added, noting that while Ukraine is not a NATO member, similar protections could be extended.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meetings produced “real progress” and a “real sense of unity.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added that all parties were working together toward “a just and lasting peace.”
‘Land Swaps’
In the days leading up to the meetings, Trump repeatedly suggested that “land swaps” would need to be part of the discussion — first during his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, and later in Washington with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Monday, as he welcomed European leaders to the East Room of the White House, Trump departed from his usual style and read from prepared remarks.
“We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact,” Trump said. “That means the war zone, the war lines that are pretty obvious.”
The comments fueled concern that Trump would pressure Ukraine into conceding land in order to secure a peace deal.
By the close of the talks, however, it appeared Washington was leaving the issue for Kyiv and Moscow to address directly in their bilateral negotiations.
Zelenskyy’s Gratitude
The atmosphere in the Oval Office on Monday stood in sharp contrast to six months ago, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticised Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US military aid.
During that earlier visit, Trump even welcomed a conservative reporter’s question about why Zelenskyy was not dressed in a suit.
This time, Ukraine’s leader arrived in a black shirt and a blazer. The same reporter who questioned his attire before offered a compliment instead: “You look fabulous.” Trump quickly added, “I said the same thing.”
Pointing to the journalist, Trump reminded Zelenskyy: “That’s the one that attacked you last time.” Zelenskyy nodded and joked in reply: “You are in the same suit. I changed. You did not,” drawing laughter from the room.
Zelenskyy is most often seen in a hoodie or T-shirt, an outfit symbolising solidarity with Ukrainian troops at the front.
But mindful of the tense reception during his February visit, he struck a warmer tone on Monday, offering multiple expressions of thanks within minutes of the meeting.
Back in February, Zelenskyy had been openly rebuked by Vance for what US officials viewed as insufficient appreciation.
On Monday, wearing a dark suit instead of his usual military-style clothing, he avoided a repeat of that moment. Trump acknowledged the difference, remarking that his guest was “all dressed up today.”
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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