The latest visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House- this time flanked by a strong group of European leaders- has been hailed as a turning point compared with his faltering appearance in Washington last February. Monday’s meeting exceeded expectations, with US president Donald Trump signalling a willingness to explore security guarantees for Ukraine, and even claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle.
President Donald J. Trump on the phone with President Putin in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/RkWReNAT2b
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 19, 2025
Although no binding commitments were made, Zelensky described the talks as the “best” he had ever had with his American counterpart, calling them “constructive” and “concrete.” He said he had presented Trump with detailed maps of the battlefield, emphasising Ukraine’s urgent need for support.
Trump himself appeared heavily influenced by his recent discussions with Putin in Alaska, repeating several times that ending the war depends “on both Zelensky and Putin”- and not solely on Russia, the invading power. He also floated the possibility of “territorial exchanges” along the current line of contact.
Towards a trilateral summit
Based on subsequent statements, two main priorities emerged:
- The establishment of security guarantees for Ukraine.
- The organisation of a trilateral summit between Zelensky, Trump and Putin.
No details have yet been released on the format of these security guarantees, nor on when or where a potential summit could take place. However, Zelensky insisted the outcome already marked a success, appearing more relaxed and confident than during his last visit — this time wearing a suit rather than his trademark military fatigues.
Trump later posted on social media that the next steps would involve a direct Zelensky-Putin meeting, followed by a trilateral session with his participation. Sources say he spoke to Putin by phone on Monday night. According to informed reports, Putin told Trump he was prepared to meet Zelensky face to face.
In return for security guarantees, Ukraine is expected to pledge the purchase of $90 billion worth of American weapons, financed by Europe, while the US would commit to buying Ukrainian-made drones once exports reopen. “There is indeed a package of our proposals worth $90 billion,” Zelensky confirmed.
Prior to private discussions in the Oval Office between Trump and Zelenskyy, a large map of Ukraine was positioned opposite Trump and Zelensky’s seats, with eastern areas marked in pink to denote Russian-controlled regions. pic.twitter.com/PcHvvD8e3T
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 18, 2025
European reactions
European leaders present in Washington struck a tone of cautious optimism. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the developments “decisive days for Ukraine.” Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, a personal friend of Trump on the golf course, described the talks as “constructive” and said agreements on security were within reach. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underlined that Washington and its allies were working together on guarantees that could underpin a sustainable peace.
Critical timelines ahead
According to Zelensky, the details of security guarantees will be defined within ten days. Merz confirmed that Trump considered a Zelensky-Putin meeting necessary within two weeks.
For now, the international community awaits the next steps with cautious optimism. If successful, this sequence of meetings could prove decisive not only for Ukraine’s future but also for the stability of the wider region.
Also read: Trump before Zelensky meeting: Ukraine cannot reclaim Crimea
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