The agenda of Trump and Zelenskyy meeting: On paper was very clear to find pathway toward ending the war in Ukraine. Whether that path actually exists or whether this was another round of political theater remains open to debate.
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that preparations are underway for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a trilateral session including himself.
Trump described this talks in Washington as an early but positive step toward resolving Russia Ukraine war which has dragged on for nearly four years. And Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are working with both sides to coordinate.
While Putin has so far resisted a one-on-one with Zelenskyy, Trump said he had already spoken with him directly.
Zelenskyy was noticeably less hostile than the infamous February meeting, which nearly unraveled in front of the cameras. Zelenskyy, dressed in a military-cut suit, received a warmer welcome, and European leaders like Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Friedrich Merz tried to project unity. Their statements, while cautious, carried a hint of optimism. Some observers noted that even a shift in tone counts as progress, given how low the bar had been set earlier this year.
The headline grabber was Trump’s suggestion of a direct Zelenskyy Putin summit, with Trump himself potentially mediating a follow up three way session. Zelenskyy seemed open, at least in principle. Russia’s reaction, as usual, was cagey, neither yes nor no, more of a diplomatic shrug.
Differences showed later, when the US and Ukrainian presidents appeared before journalists together with European leaders.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron both said a ceasefire in Ukraine should be the next step, even though Trump had argued that it was not necessary before a more permanent solution is found.
Zelensky remained conspicuously quiet on the issue.
What we heard from the leaders suggests that their discussions behind closed doors focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and prospects for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
No details were revealed about what guarantees were discussed, or how being face-to-face in the same room with Putin will help end the war.
But following the day of talks, Zelensky described security guarantees as a necessary “starting point for ending war”.
At an earlier news conference outside the White House, he said security guarantees could include a $90bn (£67bn) deal between Kyiv and Washington to acquire US weapons, including aviation systems, anti-missile systems and other weapons he declined to disclose.
Zelensky also said the US would purchase Ukrainian drones, which would help boost domestic production of the unmanned aircraft. Though no formal agreement has been reached, Zelensky said a deal could be worked out over the next 10 days.
Trump And Zelenskyy
There were also small but symbolic gestures. Zelenskyy handed a letter from Ukraine’s First Lady for the first lady Melania Trump, a gesture meant to echo her earlier appeals about children caught in the war. It was the sort of human touch that doesn’t change policy but can soften edges in an otherwise hard-nosed discussion
On the defense front, Ukraine restated its intention to purchase around $100 billion in U.S. weapons, with European partners expected to foot most of the bill. The numbers are staggering, though not out of step with the scale of the war.
As the White House talks came to a close, Ukraine faced yet another heavy night of attacks from Russia. Officials in Kyiv said 270 drones and 10 missiles were launched, most of which were shot down before causing major damage. The barrage included Iskander-M ballistic missiles and cruise missiles fired from several Russian regions Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Rostov, and Voronezh along with occupied Crimea. While Ukraine’s air defenses managed to stop the majority, the sheer scale of the assault shows how relentless the strikes remain, even as world leaders keep searching for a path to peace.
What Comes Next is important
The real test lies ahead. Trump has begun working on setting up a Zelenskyy Putin meeting, though no date has been locked in. Zelenskyy says he’s willing, and European leaders appear supportive, but Moscow has yet to commit. If it happens, a trilateral summit Trump, Zelenskyy, Putin all in the same room could follow. Whether that turns into history-making diplomacy or just another round of posturing is anyone’s guess.
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