Diplomatic Breakthrough in Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump displayed unprecedented harmony during their White House meeting today, signaling a potential turning point in the Ukraine conflict. The leaders discussed pathways to peace, with Trump suggesting possible trilateral talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Key Meeting Details
The Oval Office meeting featured mutual respect absent from their February encounter, when Trump and Vice President Vance criticized Zelensky for insufficient gratitude toward US support. Today, both leaders agreed the war "must stop," though Trump reiterated negotiations could proceed without a prior ceasefire - a position diverging from European allies.
European Security Concerns
Later today, Trump will meet with European leaders including French President Macron, German Chancellor Merz, and UK Prime Minister Starmer. They aim to secure US commitment to NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, treating future Russian aggression as an attack on all allies. Macron emphasized: "This concerns not just Ukraine's security but Europe's entire security architecture."
Background: Alaska Summit Fallout
The urgency follows Trump's controversial Alaska summit with Putin last Friday, where he suggested peace talks without ceasefire preconditions. European leaders hastily arranged this Washington visit to prevent potential concessions favoring Russia.
Zelensky's Strategic Position
The Ukrainian president declared readiness for "real ceasefire" and new security frameworks, stressing: "When discussing peace for one European country, we discuss peace for all Europe." His social media statement highlighted reliance on US strength: "Russia can only be forced to peace through power, and President Trump possesses that power."