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The U.S. President also confirmed American support for safety guarantees for Ukraine.
The U.S. President also confirmed American support for safety guarantees for Ukraine.
What is happening?
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a diplomatic effort to arrange a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The initiative is still in early stages, but it marks a significant development in international efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
U.S. to support European security guarantees
As part of these talks, Trump confirmed that the United States will support European-led security guarantees designed to prevent future Russian aggression.
“We discussed security guarantees for Ukraine — guarantees to be offered by various European nations in coordination with the U.S.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social following meetings at the White House with Zelensky and key European leaders.
A cautious sense of momentum among allies
Many details remain unresolved, leaders left the summit with cautious optimism with several noting that Trump appears committed to fulfilling his campaign promise of ending the conflict.
The most important outcome
French President, Emmanuel Macron, told reporters, that the most important outcome of the meeting is that the U.S. have now committed to working with the European Nations on delivering safety guarantees for Ukraine.
High-level attendance signals serious intent
Other than Ukrainian President, Volodomyr Zelenskyy, the meeting brought together a powerful lineup of leaders:
- Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- French President, Emmanuel Macron
- Finland’s President Alexander Stubb
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Trump calls Putin to start the process
Trump reportedly phoned Vladimir Putin near the end of the meeting.
“After the meetings, I called President Putin to begin preparations for a meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky at a yet-to-be-determined location,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He added that a three-way meeting between himself, Putin, and Zelensky would follow.
Kremlin acknowledges the call but remains noncommittal
While Moscow has not officially confirmed a summit, Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told RIA news agency that Putin had indeed spoken with Trump for 40 minutes.
Ushakov said both sides discussed the possibility of elevating the level of representatives in ongoing negotiations, though no commitments were made.
Zelensky open to meeting Putin without preconditions
Zelensky later made it clear he’s ready to meet Putin directly, saying, “We are prepared for a bilateral meeting with Putin,” according to the BBC.
He warned, however, that if Russia refuses to participate seriously, Ukraine expects the U.S. to respond.
NATO’s Mark Rutte echoed this, saying pressure on Moscow would intensify if talks failed to progress.
Security guarantees still Rely on U.S. Involvement
Trump did not commit to American boots on the ground in Ukraine, but Zelensky emphasized that U.S. participation in the security guarantees still remains vital.
A warmer tone between Trump and Zelensky
In contrast to their tense February meeting, this latest encounter between Trump and Zelensky was marked by warmth and diplomacy.
Zelensky opened by handing Trump a personal letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, addressed to Melania Trump. Dressed in a formal dark suit — a departure from his usual military attire — Zelensky signaled a new tone for the talks.
