As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated fresh efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. During a high-level meeting
As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated fresh efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. During a high-level meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders, Trump announced that he has begun preparations for a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy. The talks are aimed at finding a framework to end the devastating conflict while ensuring lasting security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump confirmed that he spoke with Putin by phone on Monday while discussions with Zelenskyy, European leaders, and NATO officials were underway. He revealed that plans are in motion for an initial Putin-Zelenskyy meeting, followed by a trilateral session involving himself as mediator.
“This was a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years,” Trump wrote in a social media post. The announcement marks a significant shift in U.S. engagement, reflecting Trump’s campaign promise to “end the war quickly” while reassuring European allies that Washington will remain committed to Ukraine’s security.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the most important outcome of the White House meeting as “the U.S. commitment to work with us on providing security guarantees.” While Trump stopped short of committing American troops, he suggested that a “NATO-like” security presence could be established with deep U.S. involvement.
Zelenskyy echoed the importance of such guarantees, stressing that Ukraine needs America’s active role in coordinating and participating in any future arrangements. “It is important that the United States make a clear signal,” Zelenskyy said, noting that a durable peace can only be achieved if Ukraine feels protected from future Russian aggression.
Despite the optimism, there remains deep unease in Europe that Trump’s willingness to meet with Putin could pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions. Trump has previously suggested that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, might not return to Ukraine — a stance that worries many European leaders.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Trump to push for an immediate ceasefire as part of the next trilateral meeting. “I would like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting,” he said, underlining the urgency of halting hostilities even as broader peace terms are negotiated.
Zelenskyy, who earlier insisted that Russia must agree to a ceasefire before any meeting, appeared more flexible this time. He said that if Ukraine placed conditions on talks, Russia would likely respond with its own demands, potentially stalling progress. “That’s why I believe that we must meet without any conditions,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the need for dialogue as a first step.
Still, he made clear that peace must be long-lasting and not repeat the mistakes of 2014, when Russia used the post-Crimea settlement as a springboard for a broader invasion.
While Putin has not officially agreed to the proposed meeting, Russia’s state news agency Tass reported that Trump and Putin spoke in favor of continuing direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov suggested that both sides are considering raising the level of direct talks, though Russia’s Foreign Ministry remains firmly opposed to any NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
The White House summit represented a delicate balancing act for Trump. On one hand, he reassured European allies of U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense; on the other, he left open the possibility of concessions on territory, which could embolden Putin. European leaders remain cautious but acknowledged Trump’s ability to create momentum.
Macron and Merz praised Trump for “opening a path to peace,” but also pressed him to ensure that Moscow is held accountable. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that if Russia resists direct talks, the U.S. and Europe “will do more when it comes to tariffs and sanctions.”
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting can take place and what framework for peace emerges. While questions remain over territorial disputes, ceasefire conditions, and long-term security guarantees, the renewed U.S. involvement is being viewed as a pivotal step in reshaping the trajectory of the conflict.
For now, guarded optimism prevails, with leaders agreeing that momentum must be sustained. As Zelenskyy summed it up: “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably.”
FAQs
Trump revealed that he has begun arranging a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore pathways to peace.
The U.S. pledged to work with European allies on “NATO-like” security guarantees, though Trump stopped short of committing U.S. troops.
While supportive of peace efforts, leaders expressed concern that Trump might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions.
Zelenskyy dropped his demand for a pre-meeting ceasefire, saying conditions could delay negotiations.
Putin has not officially confirmed, but his advisers indicated Russia is open to continuing direct negotiations with Ukraine.
