US, European leaders unite to support Ukraine's security
On Monday, August 18, President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, where European leaders had already gathered for a crucial summit with both presidents to discuss the future of Ukraine and a peace agreement with Russia.
Zelenskyy: "We discussed security guarantees—a crucial step toward ending the war"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his meetings in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders primarily focused on security guarantees for Ukraine. According to him, these guarantees are a starting point for ending the war initiated by Russia.
"We discussed security guarantees. It's a key issue, as a starting point for ending the war. We appreciate the important signal from the U.S. regarding its readiness to support and be part of this mechanism," Zelenskyy stated on his Telegram channel.
The Ukrainian leader noted that the meetings paid special attention to the situation on the front lines, the return of deported children, and the release of prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia. "We agreed to work together to solve these problems," he added.
Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for the White House invitation and for the "special format" of the meetings, which were also attended by European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb, Keir Starmer, Ursula von der Leyen, and Mark Rutte.
"Today was an important step, a demonstration of real unity between Europe and the United States. Leaders came in person to support Ukraine and to discuss everything that will bring us closer to a real peace and a reliable security architecture that will protect Ukraine and all of Europe," Zelenskyy concluded.
Trump announces he's working to organize a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump stated that he has begun efforts to organize a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump wrote on social media that he discussed the matter with Putin during a phone call amid meetings with European leaders at the White House.
"At the end of the meetings, I called President Putin, and we have begun to make arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump wrote. "After that meeting, we will hold a trilateral meeting, which will include the two presidents and myself. This is, again, a very good step, at the beginning, for a war that has been going on for almost four years," the American leader added, without specifying when these meetings would take place.
He added that his discussions today focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, which "would be offered by various European countries, in coordination with the United States of America."
"Everyone is very happy about the possibility of having PEACE between Russia and Ukraine," Trump also wrote.
The American leader stated that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would continue to coordinate these efforts with authorities in Russia and Ukraine.
Leaders' negotiations have resumed, according to BBC sources
Sources from the Ukrainian delegation told the BBC that discussions among Trump, Zelenskyy, and the European leaders have resumed in the Oval Office of the White House.
The press also reports that Trump has already spoken with Putin by phone, and the European leaders were not present for the conversation.
The meeting has concluded, but leaders remain at the White House to continue discussions
The White House meeting between President Donald Trump and European leaders has ended, but they are remaining at the White House to continue negotiations, possibly in a different format, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's spokesman, Serhiy Nykyforov. At the same time, a previously scheduled interview with Zelenskyy on Fox News was canceled, the BBC reported, citing sources.
The publication also specifies that "Trump and Zelenskyy continue to discuss," as they are in the building for additional negotiations, "possibly in a different format."
Trump interrupts meeting with European leaders to call Putin
This was reported by Sky News, Reuters, and the German publication Bild. Bild notes that negotiations will resume after Trump's phone call to Putin.
European leaders discuss security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the North Atlantic treaty
European leaders have emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine.
Giorgia Meloni stated that "we will primarily discuss security guarantees, and I am glad that we will analyze the proposal, the so-called 'Article Five,' originally suggested by Italy." Emmanuel Macron added that "to achieve lasting peace, security guarantees are necessary, and we all need them," notes the BBC.
For his part, Keir Starmer specified that "it's not just about Ukraine's security but also the safety of all of Europe, including Great Britain. I believe that with the right approach, we can achieve real progress today, especially regarding security guarantees, something in the spirit of 'Article Five'."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the path is now open for more serious negotiations on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, following U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
"Now the way is open for complicated negotiations," Merz said during a meeting at the White House with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Merz emphasized that European leaders first want to see a ceasefire before continuing discussions: "I cannot imagine the next meeting taking place without a ceasefire. Let's work for that."
Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, in short, provides for the obligation of the alliance's members to consider an attack on one of them as an attack on all.
Negotiations between Zelenskyy, the European leaders, and Trump continue in a closed format in the Oval Office.
Security guarantees and possible territorial exchanges on the agenda for discussions with European leaders
President Donald Trump presented the objectives of the discussions with European leaders, stating that they will analyze "who will do what" as part of security guarantees for Ukraine and "possible territorial exchanges" to end the war.
"President Putin has agreed that Russia will accept security guarantees for Ukraine. This is one of the key points that we must discuss, and we will analyze them at the negotiating table. I am optimistic that, collectively, we can reach an agreement that will deter any future aggression against Ukraine, and I truly believe there won't be any," said Donald Trump.
The President mentioned that the issue of territorial concessions will be discussed "considering the current line of contact."
According to Donald Trump, in a week or two, it will be decided whether the war in Ukraine can be ended, "because both sides want it."
Trump believes that a peace agreement resulting from the discussions already held is "a perfectly achievable goal," and the next step should be a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was satisfied with the negotiations with Donald Trump, calling them "very constructive."
Zelenskyy announced that he is prepared for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Vladimir Putin, where, according to him, territorial issues will also be discussed. "We hope to find solutions for all problems, including territorial ones," the Ukrainian president stated.
Kyiv authorities are prepared to hold elections in Ukraine, but they must take place under safe conditions.
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the meeting multiple times and mentioned that he showed the American president "numerous details" on the battlefield map.
News outlets publish a map reportedly discussed by Trump and the Ukrainian delegation led by Zelenskyy
At the beginning of the private negotiations, a large map of Ukraine was placed in the Oval Office.
According to the BBC, the map was placed in front of the table where Trump and Zelenskyy sat, immediately after journalists were asked to leave the room.
The eastern regions of Ukraine were highlighted in pink, indicating territories under the control of Russian forces. The publication suggests that this visual representation could be used as a pressure tool on Zelenskyy to get him to accept potential concessions in exchange for peace.
The meeting with all European leaders gathered in Washington has begun
European leaders will insist that Trump join them in a firm stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin to prevent future conflicts, CNN writes. President Donald Trump extended thanks to the European leaders present, stating that it was an honor to have them at the White House.
"It's been a very successful day," he said, referring to the discussions on the war between Russia and Ukraine: "We want to stop the killing and resolve the situation."
Trump added that he had the honor of being with Zelenskyy, and their discussions "covered a wide range of topics."
The Trump–Zelenskyy bilateral meeting has ended; The two presidents are going to the discussions with European leaders
At the White House, Donald Trump posed for the traditional "family photo" alongside European leaders. Among those present were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Trump-Zelenski bilateral meeting is over; the two presidents move on to talks with European leaders
At the White House, Donald Trump posed for the traditional "family photo" with European leaders. Among those present were Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump plans to call Putin after White House talks
Donald Trump plans to call Vladimir Putin "immediately after" the conclusion of today's White House talks. The statement was made at a press conference ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski.
The press conference is over: Zelenski and Trump move on to negotiations
Before the tête-à-tête meeting, the presidents of Ukraine and the U.S., Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, answered journalists' questions for 24 minutes in the Oval Office, after which they withdrew for private negotiations, the BBC reports.
None of the leaders offered concrete answers regarding the conditions of a possible peace agreement or security guarantees for Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump appeared "confident" that the war in Ukraine can be "resolved," stating that he has ended six similar conflicts and that there is a "reasonable chance" for peace if the trilateral meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin goes according to plan.
"If we get a peace deal, we want it to be a long-term one because we don't want to be back in the same situation after two years. (...) The war will end. This gentleman wants it to end (he pointed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy—ed. note), Vladimir Putin wants it to end, I think the whole world is tired of it, and we will end it," the American leader said.
Trump emphasized that there will be security guarantees and aid for Ukraine, without specifying whether this will involve American troops: "We will certainly be involved as well, but the Europeans remain the first line of defense, being there, but, certainly, there will be a lot of help from our side."
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to stop the conflict, emphasizing the need for support from American and European partners.
"We live every day under the threat of attacks, and we must stop this war. We are ready for the trilateral meeting," Zelenskyy stated.
A letter from Olena Zelenska to Melania Trump
In the Oval Office, Zelenskyy handed Trump a letter from the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, to the First Lady of the U.S., Melania Trump.
The gesture appears to be a symbolic continuation of Melania Trump's initiative during the Alaska summit.
At that time, she sent a letter to Vladimir Putin through Donald Trump, asking the Russian leader to put an end to the kidnapping of children in the war in Ukraine.
Russia's message before the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement before the meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, reaffirming opposition to any scenario that would involve the military presence of NATO countries on Ukrainian territory. Russian diplomacy also criticized British authorities for "the obsession with constantly raising the stakes of the conflict and pushing NATO partners towards a dangerous line, close to a new global conflict." At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs adopted a more conciliatory position towards Washington, the BBC writes.
"We confirm our firm and constantly expressed position: we categorically reject any scenarios that foresee the appearance of a NATO military contingent in Ukraine," the statement read.
The declaration was made in the context that the Ukrainian president is expected to raise the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine during the meeting with the American leader.
Ukraine's victory should not be seen only through the lens of retaking occupied territories
The visit marks Zelenskyy's first trip to Washington since the incident in February when Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance harshly criticized him during Oval Office conversations, reproaching him for his lack of gratitude for American support.
This time, Zelenskyy is accompanied by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will also attend the meeting.
Ukraine and its allies insist on the principle that borders cannot be changed by force. Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that he will not cede territories—a position also prohibited by Ukraine's Constitution. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin is demanding the entire Donbas region, already approximately 85% controlled by the Russian army, and states that he will never give up Crimea, the BBC notes.
However, as the current head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, remarked, Ukraine's victory should not be viewed solely through the lens of retaking occupied territories. If Kyiv obtains security guarantees similar to those provided by Article 5 of NATO—sufficient to deter future Russian aggression and protect its independence—this could represent a form of victory.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
