U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in principle to a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore a potential peace deal in Ukraine. While European leaders cautiously welcomed the news, Moscow has not yet confirmed the talks.
The announcement followed a full day of diplomatic meetings at the White House, where Trump hosted Zelenskyy along with leaders from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO. The discussions centered on the future of security guarantees for Kyiv and the framework of any long-term settlement.
Trump reiterated that he would not endorse a ceasefire at this stage, arguing that further negotiations were needed before halting hostilities. Zelenskyy, however, stated that security guarantees for Ukraine would be “formalized” within the next 10 days, suggesting progress toward a binding agreement.
Observers noted a marked improvement in the personal dynamic between Trump and Zelenskyy compared to their previous Oval Office encounter six months ago, when tensions flared and harsh words were exchanged. This time, the Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for the U.S. invitation, with the two leaders even sharing moments of lighthearted banter — a development seen as reassuring by European officials seeking greater stability in the talks.
Following the discussions, Trump posted on Truth Social that security guarantees had been a major focus of debate, particularly the extent to which European countries would shoulder responsibility. French President Emmanuel Macron later clarified that the talks did not involve any concession of Ukrainian territory to Russia.
European leaders also reaffirmed their unified call for pressure on Moscow to halt its military aggression, while stressing the importance of maintaining transatlantic coordination.
Although Trump framed the possible Zelenskyy–Putin meeting as a diplomatic breakthrough, the Kremlin has so far refrained from confirming any such encounter. Analysts caution that significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding the terms of a potential peace deal and the durability of international security guarantees.
For now, Ukraine and its allies are awaiting Moscow’s response, while European capitals prepare to formalize the promised commitments to Kyiv in the coming days.