Ukrainian President expresses willingness for trilateral negotiations while Trump promises potential phone call with Putin following high-stakes Washington meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his readiness to engage in face-to-face negotiations with both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war, as European leaders gathered at the White House in an unprecedented show of diplomatic support.
A Diplomatic Turnaround
The meeting marked a stark contrast to February’s tense Oval Office encounter, with Trump praising Zelensky’s appearance and the Ukrainian leader expressing gratitude seven times in his opening remarks. Zelensky appeared in a black military-style outfit, maintaining his pledge not to wear formal suits until the war’s end while showing respect to the American president.
“It’s an honor to receive the Ukrainian President,” Trump said, noting they have had “substantial progress” in their discussions. Zelensky responded by thanking Trump for his efforts to “stop the killing.”
Personal Touches Amid High Stakes
In a gesture of diplomatic courtesy, Zelensky presented Trump with a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, addressed to First Lady Melania Trump. The letter thanked her for raising with Putin the issue of 20,000 Ukrainian children allegedly kidnapped by Russian forces.
The atmosphere lightened when journalist Brian Glenn, who had previously criticized Zelensky’s attire, complimented his appearance. “You look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn said, prompting Trump to joke, “That’s the one that attacked you last time.”
Ready for Trilateral Negotiations
When asked about continuing to send Ukrainian troops into battle, Zelensky emphasized his commitment to diplomatic solutions. “We support the idea of the United States, of personally President Trump, to stop this war, to make a diplomatic way of finishing this war,” he said. “And we are ready for a trilateral, as the president said.”
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the situation, admitting that while he has “ended six wars,” he initially “thought this maybe would be the easiest one… and it’s not the easiest one.”
Immediate Next Steps
Trump revealed plans for direct communication with Putin immediately following the meeting. “I just spoke to President Putin indirectly, and we’re going to have a phone call right after these meetings today,” he announced. “If we don’t have a trilat, then the fighting continues, and if we do, we have a good chance.”
The president expressed optimism about potential trilateral talks, suggesting they could lead to ending the conflict.
European Unity on Display
The meeting drew an extraordinary gathering of European leaders to Washington, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and top EU and NATO officials.
Defense analyst Michael Clarke called the European presence “astonishing,” noting he couldn’t “think of a precedent for this” level of diplomatic coordination.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, launching missiles and drones that killed ten people overnight, including a one-year-old girl in Kharkiv. Zelensky described these attacks as “demonstrative and cynical,” designed to maintain pressure during diplomatic negotiations.
UK Position on Peace Terms
British officials indicated flexibility on territorial arrangements, with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stating the UK would recognize Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories if Ukraine agreed to such terms. However, Downing Street maintained that Russia cannot have a “veto” over Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for “lasting peace” that is “fair and just,” while indicating readiness to deploy British personnel as peacekeepers if a deal is reached.
Looking Ahead
If current discussions progress favorably, Trump plans to push for a summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky in Europe later this week. While Trump reportedly favors Rome as a venue, Moscow is said to prefer Geneva.
The meeting represents a crucial moment in the three-year conflict, with unprecedented European diplomatic engagement and apparent willingness from all major parties to pursue negotiated solutions.
