Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a possible peace agreement and security guarantees for Ukraine. [Image by ABC News]
The trip is Zelenskyy’s first to the White House since his February row with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. It comes as the U.S. president suggested bypassing a tentative ceasefire and moving directly towards a broad peace agreement.
Zelenskyy confirmed the call on social media, stating it lasted over an hour and covered European and NATO leaders. “President Trump informed me about his meeting with the Russian leader and the main topics of their discussion,” he wrote, adding a statement in support of a trilateral summit.
Trump signaled that he expects to meet Zelenskyy on Monday and “if all works out, we then will schedule a meeting with President Putin.”
The Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, their first in six years, ended with no ceasefire agreement. Trump told Fox News that discussions included potential “territory swaps” in Ukraine, an option Zelenskyy rejects.
“I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump said, but noted, “Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they’ll say no.” Putin reiterated Moscow’s desire for a long-term settlement addressing Russia’s concerns.
European Leaders Back Ukraine’s Security
European leaders, Britain’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, were among those who attended Zelenskyy’s briefing. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were also present.
Their shared statement pointed out that Ukraine needs to have “ironclad security guarantees” and that “international borders must not be altered by force.” The leaders applauded U.S. security guarantees and also talked about additional sanctions on Russia if needed.
Macron pushed hard security guarantees, Meloni NATO-style collective defense, and von der Leyen EU backing for lasting peace.
Kyiv is skeptical. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs committee, said, “Nothing happened. No results, and everyone stands their ground. Putin did not back down, Trump wanted to show he is a dealmaker, but he failed.”.
Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated Trump might attempt to lay the blame on Zelenskyy should the negotiations collapse.
The war continued for the 1,270th day on Saturday. Ukraine repelled Russian sabotage groups in Donetsk while Russia captured two villages. Three civilians were killed and 12 wounded in Kherson. Ukraine downed 61 of 85 drones and a ballistic missile overnight.
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