Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on Monday, joined by a heavyweight delegation of European leaders, in the latest attempt to find a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.
The gathering included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Their presence was widely viewed as a show of solidarity with Zelensky — and an effort to prevent a repeat of the tense February Oval Office meeting, when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance harshly criticized the Ukrainian leader.
Positive tone, few specifics
Unlike the February clash, Monday’s talks struck a cordial tone. Trump praised Ukraine’s resilience and said “peace is within reach,” even suggesting a forthcoming trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Zelensky called the talks “really good,” and European leaders expressed cautious optimism.
But specifics were scarce. Trump floated “Article 5-like” security guarantees for Ukraine, yet details remain unclear. Zelensky hinted at willingness to discuss territorial concessions, though he offered no framework. “The road to a just and lasting outcome is still enormously difficult,” Starmer cautioned.
Europeans back Zelensky
For Kyiv, the Europeans’ presence served as vital reinforcement. “We are on the side of Ukraine,” Meloni declared. Analysts said their intervention both shielded Zelensky from possible humiliation and underscored Europe’s stake in the conflict’s outcome.
Ceasefire debate splits allies
German Chancellor Merz pressed hardest for an immediate ceasefire, arguing “there is no next step without it.” Trump, however, appeared lukewarm, reflecting Putin’s preference for direct settlement talks that avoid halting battlefield momentum.
Trump vouches for Putin
In a striking moment, Trump vouched for Putin’s sincerity, telling Zelensky: “I think President Putin really would like to do something else.” European leaders, long skeptical of Putin’s motives, looked unconvinced.
What comes next
Trump said he hopes to convene a trilateral meeting with Zelensky and Putin soon — a potentially decisive moment for the war. “I thought this was going to be one of the easier ones,” Trump admitted, calling the conflict “one of the most difficult, very complex.”
The stakes, both for Ukraine’s future and for Trump’s credibility as a peacemaker, could not be higher.
