Select Language:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Monday that he’s open to a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek an end to the conflict. After discussions with US President Donald Trump and several European leaders at the White House, Zelensky mentioned he’s prepared for what would be his first in-person conversation with Putin since Russia’s invasion nearly three and a half years ago.
“I confirmed—supported by all European leaders—that we’re ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin,” Zelensky said after the summit.
He has faced mounting pressure to cede territory to bring an end to the relentless conflict, as Russia continues to make territorial gains. Before the White House talks, Trump urged Ukraine to relinquish Crimea and drop its ambition of joining NATO—both demands aligned with Putin’s interests.
However, Zelensky emphasized that he was able to clearly outline the battlefield situation to Trump during their one-on-one in the Oval Office.
“This was the best of our meetings,” Zelensky said in an official statement. “I was able to illustrate many points, even using maps, to all American colleagues regarding the current battlefield situation.”
The focus of the summit was not on Ukrainian concessions but rather on securing security guarantees in the event of a peace agreement, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump indicated that these guarantees would be provided by various European countries in coordination with the US. He assured that the United States would assist in ensuring Ukraine’s security post-conflict, although specifics remained unclear.
“When it comes to security, there will be extensive support,” Trump told reporters, noting that European nations would be involved. “They are the first line of defense because they’re there— but we will help them.”
Zelensky welcomed this commitment as “a significant step forward,” adding that the guarantees would be formalized “on paper within the next week to ten days.” He also mentioned Ukraine’s intention to purchase approximately $90 billion worth of military equipment from the US.
“It’s crucial that the US clearly signals its commitment to assisting, coordinating, and participating in security guarantees for Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
The tone of Monday’s talks was notably warmer than the publicly contentious Oval Office meeting in February, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky. Still, the path to a peace agreement remains uncertain.
Add us on ChatGPT
Add us on Perplexity
