Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, alongside several European leaders, in a bid to move closer to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The high-stakes talks came days after Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska failed to secure a ceasefire. While discussions were warm in tone, they produced no concrete commitments on a peace deal or security guarantees.
Here are the four main takeaways from the Washington talks.
1. A Potential Putin–Zelensky Meeting on the Horizon
Trump revealed he had spoken with Putin for 40 minutes by phone and was exploring a possible Putin–Zelensky bilateral meeting, followed by a trilateral session involving the US.
Caught on a hot mic, Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron:
“I think he [Putin] wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me.”
While Zelensky has long called for direct talks with Putin, the Kremlin has historically rejected such meetings. Moscow’s response was vague, with aide Yuri Ushakov calling it “worthwhile” to explore upgrading negotiations.
2. Europeans Demand Ceasefire as Trump Downplays It
Trump downplayed the need for a ceasefire before talks, suggesting negotiations could proceed without one.
European leaders pushed back, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating:
“I can’t imagine the next meeting without a ceasefire. So let’s work on that and put pressure on Russia.”
Zelensky, notably, avoided repeating his earlier insistence on a ceasefire.
3. Trump Hints at Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Trump suggested the US could help guarantee Ukraine’s security, stopping short of promising troops but leaving the option open.
Zelensky later confirmed talks of a $90 billion US-Ukraine arms deal, which would include advanced aviation and anti-missile systems. The US would also purchase Ukrainian drones, boosting Kyiv’s defense industry.
Zelensky said security guarantees could be finalized within 10 days.
4. Zelensky Launches Charm Offensive in Washington
After a tense February visit, Zelensky adopted a more conciliatory tone, thanking the US repeatedly and swapping his military fatigues for a dark suit.
He also presented Trump with a letter from First Lady Olena Zelenska addressed to Melania Trump, symbolically softening the diplomatic tone.
European leaders praised Trump’s role in convening the talks, with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni noting that “something had changed” in Russia’s stance thanks to US pressure.
