After meeting Russian President Putin in Alaska last Friday, US President Donald Trump held talks at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
This time, unlike previous encounters, there was less sparring between the two leaders and more signs of coordination.
In the meeting with journalists, Trump did most of the talking in response to questions.
Regarding the ceasefire, Trump said, “As part of any peace agreement, the United States will participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine and will ensure that commitment is upheld.”
He reiterated that an immediate ceasefire was not possible, saying, “A ceasefire alone is not necessary, as talks can take place even before a ceasefire agreement is finalized.”
Trump mentioned that he would call Putin after the discussions conclude.
Zelensky indicated his support for the meeting with the leaders of the US and Russia, stating, “The Ukrainian people support Trump’s diplomatic approach to ending the war.”
However, on the question of security guarantees from the US, Zelensky said, “A strong Ukrainian military is needed. This requires weapons, manpower, training campaigns, and intelligence information.”
The meeting included discussions on Ukraine’s security guarantees. Trump said, “The United States, together with European countries, will work on this matter.”
What did Zelensky say?
-
“I am ready to pursue a diplomatic path to end the war, but I will not accept any territorial exchange.”
-
“Presidential elections can only take place after the war ends; elections are not possible while the war continues.”
-
“American weapons are indispensable for Ukraine’s security, and no one else has such an air defense system.”
Zelensky accepted the Russian proposal in the meeting
Zelensky said, “Russia has proposed a bilateral meeting with Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting.”
At a press conference after his meeting with Trump, he stated, “I am ready to hold any kind of meeting with Putin.”
He added, “I will also participate in the trilateral meeting, but it will depend on how the first meeting is conducted.”
Zelensky noted, “I do not have the full details of the bilateral meeting. I do not want to set any conditions, because Putin may also have his own conditions.”
He emphasized, “I am fully confident that we must meet and move forward toward ending the war.”
Putin and Zelensky to meet within two weeks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reported that during a telephone conversation with Trump, President Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky within the next two weeks.
According to Merz, the location of the meeting has not yet been decided. He stated, “This meeting will require thorough preparation.” He also mentioned that he does not know whether Putin will have the courage to participate.
Amid the White House meeting between Trump and European leaders, Russia responded that it would not recognize any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine under any security guarantees.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, “Under no circumstances will we accept the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly demanded security guarantees, arguing that he wants assurances that Russia will not attack again after any agreement.
