Trump, Zelensky meet at White House amid fresh Ukraine peace hopes
4 Min Read
Zelensky has welcomed US backing in Washington but warned lasting peace must include security guarantees.
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US President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter as he meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
US President Donald Trump signaled renewed hope for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia on Monday as he hosted President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House for high-level talks.
The meeting marked the first encounter between the two leaders since a tense Oval Office exchange in February and followed Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Despite notable differences over concessions Trump has suggested Ukraine make to Russia, the US president expressed optimism. He said there was a "good chance" of ending the war, which began in February 2022.
Trump stated he would speak with Putin later Monday and expressed hope for a trilateral meeting involving the Kremlin leader and Zelensky.
"I think if everything works out well today we'll have a trilat, and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that," Trump said, seated alongside Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Zelensky, accompanied by top European officials, praised Trump’s personal involvement. "Thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war," he said.
Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO were also present at the White House, signaling support for Ukraine as Trump encouraged Kiev to consider relinquishing Crimea and abandoning its NATO ambitions.
Lighter tone amid lingering tensions
The atmosphere during Monday’s meeting was notably calmer than the confrontational February encounter, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky on camera for allegedly failing to show sufficient gratitude for US assistance.
Trump complimented Zelensky on his black jacket, a departure from the wartime attire that had drawn criticism from right-wing media during his previous visit.
"I love it," Trump said, referring to Zelensky’s outfit as they shook hands upon his arrival at the West Wing.
Despite the cordial exchange, Kiev and European capitals remained cautious, concerned that Trump might once again align with Putin’s positions following the Alaska summit.
Zelensky, advocating for Western security guarantees to underpin any peace agreement, received reassurance from Trump that the United States would be "involved" in Ukraine’s future security.
Trump, 79, declined to specify whether US troops might be part of such guarantees, saying only, "We'll let you know that maybe later today."
'Peace through strength'
Earlier on Monday, European leaders held preparatory talks with Zelensky in Washington, and the Ukrainian president also met Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
Zelensky described the White House discussions as "very serious" and echoed Trump’s signature "peace through strength" rhetoric.
"President Trump has that strength. We have to do everything right to make peace happen," Zelensky said.
He called for a "reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe" and indicated that Western security guarantees for Ukraine would be a central topic.
Reports suggest Putin might accept Western security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal, though he continues to reject Kiev's long-term NATO aspirations.
Points of contention, recent warnings
In recent days, Trump alarmed Kiev and European capitals by reiterating several Russian talking points. On Sunday, he asserted that Zelensky could end the war "almost immediately, if he wants to," while also declaring that Crimea was "no getting back" and NATO membership for Ukraine was "NO GOING INTO NATO."
On Monday, Trump reaffirmed that he does not consider a ceasefire necessary to negotiate an end to the war.
Read more: Putin-Trump summit: Moscow seeks gains in Ukraine war ceasefire talks
