Zelenskyy lauds discussions with Trump as the most successful, applauds efforts to foster peace
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. The meeting was attended by a delegation of European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy described the talks as the "best yet," praising Trump's efforts to help end the bloodshed in Ukraine. Trump, however, argued that a ceasefire was not necessary at this stage of the war, noting that the six wars he claims to have helped end did so "without ceasefires."
Trump emphasized that discussions should focus on security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. He suggested that territorial exchanges would need to be considered in any lasting settlement. In response, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is ready for a "real truce" backed by international guarantees.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was also present at the meeting, urged a ceasefire "by the next meeting." He praised Trump for opening the door to negotiations by meeting Vladimir Putin last week in Alaska. However, he also pressed Trump to pressure Moscow directly.
European leaders urged action to "stop the killing," citing Melania Trump's appeal to consider the suffering of Ukrainian children. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that guarantees were not just about Ukraine but "the security of the entire European continent."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called security guarantees a potential "historic step forward." He considered a trilateral summit involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin a "sensible next step." Starmer expressed his desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, stating that such a summit could lead to a lasting peace.
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his engagement and expressed a desire for a "reliable peace." He reiterated Ukraine's readiness for a real truce, backed by international guarantees. The leaders concluded the meeting with a commitment to continue their efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
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