Trump, Zelensky eye peace deal
Trump and Zelensky discuss path to peace, hope rises for war’s end
Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and top European leaders at the White House on Monday to push forward efforts to end the more than three-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting was part of the US-led diplomatic initiative to restart stalled talks for peace in the conflict, which has caused immense destruction and loss of life in Ukraine.
This was the second time Zelensky met Trump in the Oval Office this year. During their discussion, Trump expressed his readiness to support European efforts in ensuring security and policing any potential peace deal. Zelensky said the meeting was his “best” so far, signaling improved relations compared to his earlier visit in February, which had ended in a public clash with Trump and a temporary suspension of US military aid.
Zelensky appeared well-dressed and thanked Trump repeatedly, responding to past criticism from US Vice President JD Vance, who had said that Ukraine’s leader was insufficiently appreciative of American military and financial support.
The White House meeting comes just days after Trump held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, said that he hopes the talks with Ukraine’s president and European leaders will follow a similar positive approach as Trump’s discussion with Putin.
Trump outlines plans and views on Ukraine war
During the meeting, Trump said he had begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin. He suggested that after this meeting, a trilateral discussion would follow, including both presidents and himself, to try to bring the war to an end. Trump described this initiative as “a very good, early step” for a conflict that has lasted almost four years.
Trump also expressed his concern about the continuing violence, stating, “People are being killed, and we want to stop that.” He noted the large number of casualties, including soldiers on both sides, and emphasized that all parties involved want to see the conflict ended.
On NATO membership for Ukraine, Trump ruled out the possibility of allowing Ukraine to join the alliance. However, he expressed support for security guarantees for the country, although the details remain vague. Trump added that European nations are willing to help provide protection and that the United States would support these efforts.
Zelensky on security guarantees and negotiations
President Zelensky said security guarantees for Ukraine could be formalized within 10 days. These guarantees are expected to involve cooperation with partner countries and will include a package of US weapons, such as aircraft and air defense systems, which is valued at around $90 billion. Zelensky called this a “major step forward” for Ukraine, noting that the US will participate in coordinating these guarantees.
Zelensky also said Ukraine is ready to meet with Russia in “any format” to discuss a possible resolution. He emphasized that discussions on territorial issues would be handled directly between him and Putin. However, no dates for a potential meeting with Moscow have been announced yet.
Although the peace deal is not yet close, both leaders expressed optimism about reducing violence and finding a diplomatic solution. The tone of the talks was notably more positive than in previous encounters, reflecting a willingness to engage constructively.
Trump’s statements suggest that he is actively seeking a personal role in facilitating discussions between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized that his goal is to help end the war and prevent further deaths, stressing that negotiations should begin without unnecessary delay.
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Zelensky’s comments indicate that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with international partners and the United States in particular, to ensure its security while seeking a peaceful solution to the war. The proposed weapons package and coordination efforts are part of a broader plan to strengthen Ukraine’s defense during ongoing negotiations.
European leaders attending the meeting were expected to play a key role in monitoring and supporting any peace agreement. Their involvement is seen as crucial to ensure that a deal is fair, enforceable, and respected by both sides in the conflict.
Both Trump and Zelensky emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as essential steps toward ending the conflict. While the path to peace remains uncertain, Monday’s meeting marked a significant diplomatic effort, with both leaders expressing a shared goal of reducing violence and moving toward a potential resolution.
The discussions in Washington will likely influence future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, and the international community will closely watch the outcomes. The next steps include formalizing security guarantees, arranging a meeting between Zelensky and Putin, and coordinating with European countries to maintain stability and prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, Monday’s meeting between Trump and Zelensky in Washington was an important attempt to bring the long-running war closer to a resolution. Both leaders expressed optimism, outlined plans for future meetings, and highlighted the role of international partners in supporting Ukraine. While a peace deal is not immediate, the discussions represent a renewed push for diplomacy and a chance to reduce further suffering in the conflict.
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