U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday, signaling renewed efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The high-stakes discussions focused on security guarantees, ceasefire prospects, and potential diplomatic breakthroughs.
During a joint press briefing with Zelenskyy, Trump expressed optimism about progress, stating: "President Putin wants this conflict to end, and we're working with all parties to ensure lasting peace." Zelenskyy affirmed his commitment to diplomacy, adding: "We are ready for a trilateral meeting to address sensitive issues, including territorial matters."
The meetings brought together NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from Britain, Italy, Finland, Germany, and France. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire: "I can't imagine further talks without one." French President Emmanuel Macron proposed expanding discussions to include European security frameworks through a quadrilateral format.
In a late development, Trump revealed he had contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange a potential Zelenskyy-Putin meeting, followed by trilateral talks. This follows Friday's inconclusive 3-hour meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska.
While no formal agreements were announced, the talks mark the most significant multilateral engagement on Ukraine since the conflict began. Analysts suggest the involvement of both U.S. and European leaders could create new pathways for de-escalation.
