Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will confer with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday.
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, August 18, 2025, to discuss ways to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting followed a summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where they failed to agree on a ceasefire.
Meeting Overview
The meeting was described as cordial, with both leaders sharing smiles, marking a contrast from their previous meeting in February where Zelensky faced criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
European leaders, including the Presidents of France and Germany and the British Prime Minister, also attended meetings in Washington to emphasize the need for security guarantees for Ukraine.
Key Discussion Points
During the meeting, Trump emphasized his preference for a peace agreement over a ceasefire, stating that the U.S. aimed for a full peace deal. He offered future security guarantees for Ukraine following a peace agreement, stating that Europe would be the "first line of defense," but promised U.S. involvement in providing protection.
There was discussion of a potential three-way meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin, though this has not been agreed upon by Russia.
Context and Implications
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by international leaders to address the conflict in Ukraine, with a focus on finding a lasting peace agreement that includes security guarantees for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are pushing for a united front to address the conflict, while Russia remains hesitant about certain proposals, including a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
Maria Ponomarenko, a Russian journalist imprisoned in a Siberian labor camp, was hospitalized after several suicide attempts. Meanwhile, in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a woman was killed and three others injured in Ukrainian shelling. These events underscore the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump is a step towards achieving a peaceful resolution, but much work remains to be done. The international community will continue to monitor the situation closely and support efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Ukraine.
- The community policy of the international community will likely involve continued focus on finding a lasting peace agreement in Ukraine, with an emphasis on security guarantees and a united front against the ongoing conflict.
- Despite the positive outcome of the meeting between Zelensky and Trump, the employment policy of the United States in its international relations still includes the promise of U.S. involvement in providing protection for Ukraine, implying a long-term commitment to the region's security.
