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Following the high-level meeting, the process of arranging a trilateral meeting between Putin. Zelenskyy and Trump has begun.
Following the high-level meeting, the process of arranging a trilateral meeting between Putin. Zelenskyy and Trump has begun.
What is happening?
At the start of a high-level meeting in Washington, Donald Trump was overheard on an open microphone revealing his thoughts on Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to French President Emmanuel Macron, he said: “I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? As crazy as it sounds.”
The comment came just before a multilateral summit with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
Russia welcomed at U.S. summit
The hot mic moment followed summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska.
This raised eyebrows, especially given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump’s comments suggested he might view himself as a potential broker between the West and Putin.
Trump floats U.S. troops in Ukraine peace plan
In a press session with President Zelensky at the White House, Trump didn’t rule out sending U.S. troops to help maintain peace in Ukraine.
“We’ll let you know that, maybe, later today,” he said. Trump indicated the idea would be part of the afternoon’s talks with European leaders.
“Seven great leaders” to shape Ukraine security
Trump highlighted the role of European allies, saying,
“We’re meeting with seven great leaders of great countries… When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help.”
He emphasized a collaborative approach, suggesting any military or peacekeeping action would involve both the U.S. and its European partners.
NATO-like protection on the table
Responding to a question about “NATO-style” protection for Ukraine, Trump didn’t shy away.
Referring to European leaders waiting in another room, he said: “They want to give protection, they feel very strongly about it, and we’ll help them out with that.”
He didn’t confirm a formal alliance, but suggested strong security guarantees were under discussion.
Zelensky, European leaders join White House talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Trump in the Oval Office ahead of the broader summit. European leaders, including some of the continent’s most influential figures, joined the conversation.
The meeting’s atmosphere was calm—especially compared to previous tense encounters between Trump and Zelensky.
Trump’s demands echo Russian talking points
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on Truth Social a list of demands for Ukraine.
These included dropping NATO membership ambitions and accepting Crimea as part of Russia—both key Russian goals.
Many saw this as undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty ahead of sensitive negotiations.
Three-way summit with Putin under consideration
Both Trump and Zelensky showed willingness to meet Putin directly. The idea of a three-way summit was floated during the talks.
Trump appeared confident about the potential outcome, indicating a personal belief that Putin, like him, “wants to see it end.”
“It’s never the end of the road,” says Trump
When asked whether U.S. support for Ukraine would end if talks failed, Trump pushed back.
“People are being killed and we want to stop that. So I would not say it’s the end of the road.”
