Trump, Zelenskyy and European leaders weigh Ukraine security guarantees at White House summit

The White House summit underscored the urgency of forging a long-term framework for Ukraine’s security, but also exposed deep divisions over how peace talks with Russia should proceed and what compromises might be required.

U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday (18 August) for an extraordinary summit aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine. The talks followed the Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska days earlier and were described as long on dialogue but short on immediate decisions.

Focus on security guarantees

Leaders coalesced around two key issues: possible security guarantees for Ukraine and the shape of future negotiations with Russia. While no concrete path was announced, discussions included NATO-style protection mechanisms, ideas for a peacekeeping force, and arrangements for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy characterised his private meeting with Trump as “very good” and said they had focused on binding security guarantees.

“This is a path … to strengthen our army, to rearm Ukrainian army. For example, the question of air defence, we spoke about it with President Trump. Nobody in Europe has so many air defence like Patriots … We need it very much and this is also about defending,” he said.

Trump confirmed U.S. backing, though he stressed Europe would bear much of the responsibility.

“There’ll be a lot of help when it comes to security. … They are first line of defence because they’re there, they’re Europe, but we’re going to help them out also. We’ll be involved,” he said in the Oval Office.

European leaders voice support

European leaders including those from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO joined the talks.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the meeting “good and constructive.”

“With the right approach we can make real progress, particularly on the security guarantees … I think we could take a really important step forward today. A historic step actually could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe,” Starmer said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Trump had persuaded Putin to consider a direct meeting with Zelenskyy, though he cautioned: “Genuine negotiations can only take place at a summit in which Ukraine itself also participates. Such a summit is only conceivable if the weapons fall silent.”

Arrangements for direct talks

Trump later disclosed that he had spoken with Putin for 40 minutes on Monday and was arranging a Zelenskyy–Putin meeting, followed by a trilateral summit including himself. The Kremlin confirmed the call but offered no firm commitment. Merz suggested such talks might take place within two weeks, though no location has been disclosed.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness:

“We just confirmed after this productive meeting … that we are ready for a trilateral meeting. Ukraine will never stop on the way to peace, and we are ready for any kind of formats but on the level of leaders.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the plan but voiced doubts over Moscow’s intentions.

“As long as he thinks he can win through war, he will do so. His ultimate objective is to take as much territory as possible,” Macron said.

NATO’s role and next steps

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified that no talks had taken place about deploying troops but told Fox News that European members were financing U.S. weapons deliveries.

“This is good news for the American middle class, but also good news for Ukraine,” he said.

Despite the extensive discussions, sensitive issues such as territorial concessions and a ceasefire were left unresolved. Trump insisted on pursuing a full-scale peace agreement rather than an interim truce, while European leaders and Zelenskyy pressed for at least a ceasefire to stop the fighting.

Zelenskyy concluded that Ukraine’s security guarantees could be formalised “within the next week to 10 days.”

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