Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zaleski returned to Washington this week for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit came just days after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a meeting that ended without progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.
While the White House projected optimism, European leaders who joined the discussions expressed caution. By the end of the day, no concrete commitments had emerged on security guarantees or a clear roadmap to peace. Still, the summit offered important signals about the direction of future negotiations.
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A Possible Putin–Zaleski Meeting on the Horizon
One of the most significant developments was Trump’s announcement that he had spoken with Putin by phone for 40 minutes on Monday. According to Trump, both leaders are now exploring the possibility of arranging a long-awaited meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
Trump suggested a two-step process: first, a bilateral meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, followed by a trilateral session where he would join them. “I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me,” Trump was overheard telling French President Emmanuel Macron, apparently referring to Putin.
Bringing the two wartime leaders face-to-face would be an extraordinary breakthrough, as they have not met since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Zelensky has long called for such talks, often as a way to demonstrate that Moscow is not serious about peace. The Kremlin, however, has consistently rejected the idea.
On Monday evening, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov struck a cautious note, saying it was “worthwhile” to explore raising the level of representatives in ongoing negotiations but stopped short of confirming any plans for a direct Putin–Zelensky summit.
European Leaders Push for a Ceasefire
While Trump appeared to downplay the need for a ceasefire before negotiations, European leaders made it clear they view a halt to hostilities as essential.
“I don’t know that it’s necessary,” Trump told reporters when asked if fighting must stop before peace talks begin. This marked a notable shift from Ukraine’s long-standing demand that a ceasefire precede any negotiations with Russia.
European leaders disagreed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was especially firm: “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So let’s work on that and let’s try to put pressure on Russia.”
Other European leaders echoed the sentiment, arguing that an immediate ceasefire would not only create space for diplomacy but also ease the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Zelensky, who has repeatedly demanded a ceasefire in the past, notably refrained from stressing that condition this time. His silence may signal a tactical decision to keep negotiations with Washington moving forward, even as Europe insists on stricter prerequisites.
Trump Signals Possible U.S. Security Guarantees
Perhaps the most striking announcement of the summit was Trump’s pledge that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine’s security as part of any future peace deal. While the president stopped short of offering American troops on the ground, he did not rule out the possibility when pressed by reporters.
“Europe is the first line of defense,” Trump said. “But we’ll be involved. We’ll give them good protection.”
This marked Trump’s most decisive statement yet on security guarantees, which are widely regarded as central to any durable settlement with Russia. According to Trump, Putin acknowledged during their Alaska meeting that Ukraine’s security guarantees would have to be included in a peace framework.
Zelensky expanded on the discussions during a press conference, revealing that a $90 billion arms package from the U.S. is under negotiation. The deal would provide Ukraine with advanced aviation systems, anti-missile defenses, and other undisclosed weapons. In addition, the U.S. would purchase Ukrainian-made drones, helping to bolster Kyiv’s domestic defense industry.
The Ukrainian president suggested that the details of the security guarantees could be finalized within 10 days, though major questions remain about how far Washington and its European allies are willing to go.
Zaleski’s Charm Offensive
Mindful of the tensions that marred his last White House visit in February, Zelensky arrived in Washington determined to rebuild goodwill. He opened the meeting with six expressions of gratitude to the U.S. within the first few minutes, an effort to counter past criticism that he showed insufficient appreciation for American support.
His tone was markedly different from the last Oval Office encounter, when Vice President JD Vance publicly scolded him. This time, Zelensky even altered his attire, opting for a dark suit instead of his signature military fatigues, which had previously drawn a jab from Trump.
The Ukrainian president also emphasized personal diplomacy. He presented Trump with a letter from First Lady Olena Zelenska addressed to Melania Trump, joking that it was “not to you — to your wife.”
European leaders joined the effort to flatter Trump, praising his role in convening the talks. NATO chief Mark Rutte thanked him for his “leadership,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni credited him with shifting Russia’s stance toward peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron, however, struck a more sober note, warning that security guarantees for Ukraine are inseparable from the security of the entire European continent. His remarks underscored Europe’s deep anxieties about the long-term threat posed by Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why did President Volodymyr Zaleski visit Washington?
Zaleski visited Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders for talks aimed at securing stronger support for Ukraine, discussing potential peace negotiations with Russia, and addressing future security guarantees.
Was there any progress toward a Putin–Zelensky meeting?
Trump revealed he had spoken with Putin about arranging a possible meeting with Zelensky, followed by a trilateral session including the U.S. While promising, the Kremlin has not confirmed such plans, leaving the proposal uncertain.
Did the talks result in a ceasefire agreement?
No ceasefire was agreed upon. Trump suggested it may not be necessary before negotiations, but European leaders, particularly Germany, strongly insisted that a ceasefire is essential before meaningful talks can move forward.
What security guarantees did the U.S. offer Ukraine?
Trump stated that the U.S. would help guarantee Ukraine’s security, though he did not detail the scope. Discussions included a proposed $90 billion arms deal, advanced defense systems, and U.S. support for Ukraine’s drone industry.
How did European leaders react to the Washington talks?
European leaders expressed gratitude for Trump’s leadership but emphasized their concerns. They pushed for an immediate ceasefire and highlighted that Ukraine’s security guarantees are directly tied to the security of the entire European continent.
What was different about Zaleski’s approach this time?
Unlike his previous visit, which was marked by tension, Zelensky adopted a charm offensive. He repeatedly thanked the U.S., dressed in formal attire instead of military fatigues, and focused on building personal rapport with Trump and other leaders.
What are the next steps after the Washington discussions?
Negotiators are expected to refine details of U.S. security guarantees and the $90 billion arms package within the next 10 days. The possibility of a Putin–Zaleski meeting remains under discussion, but no timeline has been set.
Conclusion
The Washington discussions between President Zaleski, President Trump, and European leaders highlighted both opportunities and challenges in the search for peace in Ukraine. While the prospect of a Putin–Zelensky meeting sparked cautious optimism, the lack of a ceasefire agreement underscored the deep divides among key players. Trump’s hints at U.S. security guarantees and a major arms package signal stronger American involvement, yet European leaders remain firm that peace cannot move forward without halting the fighting.
