On Monday, August 18, 2025, President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenski to the White House, along with several European leaders, to discuss a potential path toward ending the war that has lasted more than three years.
After months of diplomatic stagnation, negotiations gained new momentum following the summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, where Trump stopped demanding an immediate ceasefire and instead aligned with the idea of seeking a long-term resolution.
The presence of several European leaders alongside Zelenski at the White House, including representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, highlighted the continental importance of the conflict and the urgency of finding a sustainable agreement.
Although the tone of the talks was more cordial compared to previous encounters, the core issues remain unresolved. There was no agreement on a ceasefire, and major questions linger about security guarantees, potential territorial concessions, and the future role of Western allies in Ukraine’s defense.
President Trump pledged to reach out to Putin and explore the possibility of a trilateral summit involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. However, no dates were set, and there are no guarantees that such a meeting will take place.
What comes next after this meeting?
Talks are expected to continue around possible security guarantees for Ukraine. The unresolved questions include whether Western forces would be involved, whether Ukraine would be asked to make territorial concessions, and whether a trilateral summit with Putin will be organized, all critical points that remain unanswered.
