Zelensky, Trump to discuss path to peace in Ukraine amid ongoing war
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Zelensky arrives in Washington to meet Trump and EU leaders to discuss ending the Ukraine-Russia war, urging a lasting peace.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on August 17, 2025. (AP Photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington on Sunday for high-level discussions aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia war. The talks are expected to include US President Donald Trump and a group of European leaders, as Kiev seeks support for a lasting peace agreement.
"We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably," Zelensky wrote on X.
I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2025
The meeting comes at a critical moment for Ukraine, with continued military operations in the Donetsk and Sumy regions. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is fighting not only for its territory but also for its independence and long-term security.
Zelensky made clear that any peace agreement must be more durable than previous efforts. Referring to the events of 2014 and the annexation of Crimea by Russia, he noted that peace should not resemble the earlier deals in which Ukraine lost Crimea and parts of the Donbass, only for Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch a renewed operation in 2022.
"Peace must be lasting," he said, "not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East, part of Donbas, and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack." He added that Ukrainian forces are now making progress on the battlefield, particularly in Donetsk and Sumy.
Trump-Putin meeting raises questions ahead of talks
Zelensky’s arrival in Washington follows a private three-hour meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held on Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. According to reports, the two leaders reached an "understanding."
Trump later told Fox News that "significant points were agreed upon, with only minor items remaining," though no official details have been disclosed. The meeting adds a complex layer to the Zelensky-Trump peace talks, as observers await clarification on what, if any, concessions may have been discussed.
Despite uncertainties, Zelensky expressed optimism about international cooperation. "Our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance," he said.
As the Zelensky-Trump peace talks unfold in Washington, the outcome could shape the next phase of the Ukraine-Russia war, with the international community closely watching for signs of a breakthrough.
