Ukraine peace talks gain momentum at White House meeting

A presidential gathering with Zelenskyy and European leaders signals a renewed push for security guarantees amid stalled talks to end Russia’s war.

Ukraine peace talks gain momentum at White House meeting

In the Oval Office, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior European leaders to energize months of stalled U S led efforts to halt Russia’s war. Trump said the United States could back security guarantees for Ukraine while stopping short of admitting Ukraine into NATO. Zelenskyy thanked allies and wore dressier clothes, signaling a more formal tone than his previous White House visit. Trump said he would work to arrange a meeting between Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, and European leaders expressed cautious optimism about a unified approach.

The talks set up a path toward a possible face to face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, with European leaders praising unity even as they stress the need for credible security guarantees. Macron and Merz offered different shades of optimism about what comes next, while NATO leaders kept a careful watch on the terms of any backstop force. The discussions also highlighted delicate considerations about security guarantees, potential land issues, and the future shape of Ukraine defense assistance.

The gathering reflects a shift from harsh rhetoric to practical diplomacy, a test of how far European partners and the United States are willing to share responsibility for Ukraine’s security. It underscores a balance between offering protection and avoiding provocation that could inflame Moscow. Yet the path ahead remains risky: security guarantees must be credible, and any ceasefire or peace framework will face resistance from Russia and domestic critics at home. The tone suggests a rare convergence among allies, but the details will determine whether promises translate into durable steps on the ground.

Highlights

The coming weeks will test whether words finally turn into verifiable actions.