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Trump Hosts Zelenskyy and European Leaders at the White House to Forge Trilateral Ukraine Peace Talks

Trump’s removal of a ceasefire precondition has European leaders pushing for binding security guarantees ahead of proposed trilateral talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office of the White House.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025.

Overview

  • At a hastily convened Oval Office meeting on Aug. 18, Trump hosted Zelenskyy alongside key European leaders to discuss launching trilateral peace talks with Putin
  • Trump has ruled out requiring a ceasefire before negotiations, aligning U.S. policy with Russia’s stance for direct talks and causing concern among allies
  • Ukraine and its European backers united in rejecting any territorial concessions for Donbas or Crimea, warning such terms would set a dangerous precedent
  • Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said Russia agreed to allow “robust security” guarantees for Ukraine but Moscow has not formally confirmed the pledge
  • Diplomats and analysts cautioned that the rapid, low-preparation talks risk failing to secure credible, enforceable commitments needed for a lasting settlement