President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House to discuss potential pathways toward ending the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both leaders expressing cautious optimism about diplomatic progress. The high-stakes meeting came at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year-old war that has reshaped European security.
The discussions focused on the terms under which a ceasefire might be negotiated, with Trump emphasizing his commitment to bringing the conflict to a swift conclusion. Zelenskyy presented Ukraine's position on territorial integrity and security guarantees, stressing that any peace agreement must include provisions to prevent future Russian aggression.
During a joint press conference, Trump stated that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and believed there was a genuine opportunity for negotiations. However, he acknowledged that significant differences remained between the parties and that reaching a comprehensive peace deal would require compromise from all sides.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for continued American support while emphasizing that Ukraine would not accept any agreement that rewards Russian aggression or leaves the country vulnerable to future attacks. He outlined Ukraine's minimum requirements for any peace deal, including robust security guarantees from Western allies.
The meeting also addressed the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, with discussions about reconstruction funding and support for displaced civilians. Trump indicated that the United States would continue providing humanitarian assistance while working toward a diplomatic solution.
European allies closely monitored the talks, with several NATO members expressing support for a negotiated settlement while emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty. The European Union reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine regardless of the outcome of US-led negotiations.
Analysts noted that the meeting represented a significant step in diplomatic efforts, though substantial obstacles remain before any peace agreement could be reached. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified diplomatic activity as all parties assess the prospects for ending the conflict.
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