Leaders across Europe prepare to endorse a three-way gathering between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.
The White House played host to a historic gathering on August 18, 2025, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by seven European leaders, met with US President Donald Trump to discuss ironclad security guarantees for Ukraine. This trilateral meeting marked a significant shift towards collaborative diplomacy, aiming to end Russia's war in Kyiv and bring lasting peace [1][2][4][5].
The united front showed solidarity for Ukraine, with leaders expressing their support for a future trilateral meeting involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has traditionally resisted such direct talks [3]. President Trump publicly committed to providing Ukraine with "very good protection," signaling a new U.S. security commitment, although specific details about the form of these guarantees were not elaborated [1][3].
The leaders emphasized the importance of a ceasefire, although Trump questioned its necessity, contrasting with the European position [3]. There was a consensus on the need for "ironclad security guarantees" for Ukraine, with "no limitations" on Ukraine's armed forces [3].
The gathering, a more cordial encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy compared to earlier meetings, followed Trump's recent talks with Putin. European leaders also pressed for security assurances for Ukraine as a condition for further negotiations and potential ceasefire discussions before any trilateral meeting involving Putin [1][2][3].
The Group of 31 countries, set up to safeguard a potential deal to end Russia's war on Ukraine, welcomed President Trump's efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia's war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace [2]. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia has no intention of ending the war in Ukraine [6].
As the leaders met, Moscow's forces launched new attacks on Ukraine, while a fire at a Russian industrial plant claimed 11 lives and injured 130 [7]. The leaders also reiterated a pledge to continue to impose sanctions on Russia "as long as the killing in Ukraine continues" [2].
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday, and von der Leyen will also participate in Zelenskyy's White House meeting with Trump on Monday, at Zelenskyy's request [2]. Several leaders of the Coalition of the Willing will meet via a video call with Zelenskyy on Sunday [8].
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that Putin is still interested in the greatest possible territorial gains and the restoration of the Soviet empire [9]. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espend Barth Eide labeled Putin's talking points as "code for the Russian justification for the illegal invasion of Ukraine" [9].
Zelenskyy called for "real peace" and stated that sanctions should be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting or if Russia tries to evade an honest end to the war [2]. The leaders insist on a ceasefire, although Trump and Putin concluded their press conference in Alaska without mentioning one [10].
Putin continues to drag out negotiations, according to Kaja Kallas, hoping to get away with it [6]. As the world watches, the leaders remain determined to secure peace and security for Ukraine.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. BBC News 3. Reuters 4. Politico 5. Deutsche Welle 6. Euronews 7. AP News 8. CNN 9. Al Jazeera 10. NPR
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