Trump hosts Zelenskyy at White House, pushes Ukraine peace deal
Shafaq News - Washington
On Monday, US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in a diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine, days after he held private talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
President Donald J. Trump welcomes Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa for their second meeting at the White House. pic.twitter.com/A9J31z8XnV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 18, 2025
“If everything goes well, we will hold a trilateral meeting that includes President Putin,” Trump announced following the Oval Office meeting, adding that he believed the Russian leader “wants to end the war.” He emphasized that the US would play a direct role in ensuring Ukraine’s future security, stating, “We’ll provide the Ukrainian people with protection and real security.”
Zelenskyy, in turn, expressed gratitude for Trump’s push to halt the bloodshed. “I thank President Trump for working to stop the killing in Ukraine,” he said. The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his readiness to engage in a trilateral dialogue with Trump and Putin, and signaled openness to holding national elections “once peace and security are achieved.”
Zelenskyy confirmed that Washington had opened the door to renewed weapons purchases. “It’s extremely important to secure guarantees for rearming our military.”
Trump voiced optimism about the path forward, telling reporters, “There’s a real chance to end this war. I don’t believe there will be a ceasefire, but peace can be achieved even as the conflict continues.”
Meanwhile, European leaders arrived in Washington earlier today to participate in expanded discussions with Trump and Zelenskyy. Attendees include NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
“We must ensure peace is lasting and just,” Starmer said upon arrival. “That’s why I’m here in Washington with fellow European leaders — to get this done.”
I’m on my way to Washington D.C. to meet @POTUS, @ZelenskyyUa and other leaders.Here’s why: pic.twitter.com/5mj4fTzP06
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 18, 2025
