Chatting about Peace: Zelensky and Trump Get Together on the Sidelines of NATO Summit in The Hague
Zelenskyy and Trump convene off-schedule during NATO summit in The Hague
Chit-Chat Share Text Mail Print Link Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and ex-US President Donald Trump mingled on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday. Post the meeting, Zelensky jotted down on social media that his tete-a-tete with Trump was "lengthy and substantial." "We tackled ways to secure a truce and genuine peace," Zelensky clarified. "We squabbled over protections for our citizens."
Trump also voiced positive feelings following the discussion. "The convo couldn't have been sweeter," Trump commented, adding about Zelensky, "We've had a few hiccups along the way, but he couldn't have been more polite." The Ukrainian presidential administration affirmed that the meeting with Trump lasted roughly 50 minutes. One team member informed the AFP news agency that Zelensky was "thrilled with the conversation" and "grateful" to the former US President. As per reports from Kyiv, the meeting covered additional penalties against Russia and the procurement of US military hardware.
Earlier, during Trump's inauguration in January, the US functioned as Ukraine's primary ally in countering the Russian invasion. However, under Trump's administration, the United States trimmed down its assistance considerably and edged closer to Russia. In late February, a visit by Zelensky to Trump at the White House in Washington culminated in a diplomatic debacle when Trump and US Vice President JD Vance chastised the Ukrainian leader for lack of politeness and gratitude in front of the cameras. The brush-off culminated with the Ukrainian president being ushered out of the White House.
Both leaders later echoed similar sentiments. In late April, they exchanged a brief word on the sidelines of the Pope Francis's funeral in Rome. A meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the G7 summit in mid-June in Canada never materialized, as Trump unexpectedly departed early. Trump attributed his sudden exit to the clash between Israel and Iran. On his approach to The Hague, Trump indicated that he would "probably" meet his Ukrainian counterpart there.
Reference(s):1. ntv.de2. AFP
Background:
The current relationship between US-Ukraine is intricate, marked by cooperation as well as tension, mostly highlighted by recent high-level discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague in June 2025.
Gathering at the NATO Summit in The Hague:Zelensky and Trump crossed paths during the NATO summit held June 24-25, 2025 in The Hague. This interaction took place amid escalating conflict and geopolitical tensions relating to Ukraine and Russia, along with emerging crises in other regions such as the Middle East. The White House confirmed the meeting, suggesting Zelensky's expectation that Trump's approach towards Russia is tactical and aimed at compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table for peace talks. Zelensky expressed optimism that Trump's strategy would lead to an end to the war, even though he acknowledged the challenging nature of the relationship with Russia, labeling it one of animosity rather than friendship[2].
Context of US Policy and NATO Discussions:Leading up to the summit, there was considerable deliberation regarding the US role in the Ukraine war. Debates within NATO and the US administration revolved around the magnitude and conditions of military aid to Ukraine, as well as the parameters of any potential peace settlement with Russia. Reports indicate that the Trump administration advocated for putting forth clear peace terms to Ukraine and its European allies at the summit, focusing on shifting towards ending US military support should Ukraine and Europe disagree with the proposed peace terms. This stance suggests a potential reduction of US involvement should negotiations fail, contrasting with continued support when negotiations are pursued earnestly[3].
Broader US-Ukraine Relations and War Context:Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has offered over $118 billion in aid to Ukraine, part of an overall $407 billion international assistance effort. Despite this aid, fighting continues, with Russia still maintaining about 20% of Ukrainian territory as of early 2025, and significant civilian casualties and displacement persisting. The US under Trump's administration has attempted to broker an end to the war, including efforts to persuade Ukraine to acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory- a stance causing strain between Kyiv and Washington as well as among NATO allies[4].
Zelensky’s engagement with Trump signifies an attempt by Ukraine to maintain dialogue with the US, despite shifting US policy dynamics. However, broader reports note the gradual erosion of the traditional US-Europe alliance over Ukraine since 2022, with the Biden administration initially uniting Western support against Russia, but later facing difficulties as geopolitical interests diverged. This evolving context frames the importance and delicacy of the Zelensky-Trump discussions at the NATO summit[5].
The European Union, gathered at the NATO Summit in The Hague, expressed interest in the peace process between Ukraine and Russia, given the ongoing war-and-conflicts and the political implications for the region. Although the United States, under President Trump's administration, had a complex relationship with Ukraine, marked by both cooperation and tension, the discussions between Zelensky and Trump were noted for their substantial nature, with the focus on securing a truce and genuine peace. The general news outlets covered the meeting extensively, reporting on the lengthy and fruitful conversation, which also included talks about additional penalties against Russia and the procurement of US military hardware.
