Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in the White House, where Zelensky thanked the United States for its efforts to end the war and presented Trump with a letter from his wife. Trump discussed the possibility of a future three‑way summit and emphasized the United States’ commitment to lasting peace.
Meeting between Zelensky and Trump at the White House
Selime the evening, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky commenced a meeting at the White House. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude for U.S. involvement in ending the war and presented Trump with a letter from his wife, Olena, addressed to Melania Trump concerning children taken from Ukraine. Zelensky highlighted that this is a very delicate issue. The U.S. First Lady had recently posted a “peace letter” to Putin on social media after a visit to Alaska, urging the restoration of “melodic laughter” for children affected by the war.
Trump: Possible Three‑Way Summit
During the discussion, Trump noted that if the meeting goes well, the next step could be a three‑way summit. He stated, “We have a big chance to bring this war to an end.” When journalists asked whether Russia or Ukraine had stronger arguments, he replied that he could not decide. Trump reiterated that the United States aims to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, and both Zelensky and Putin reportedly share the same goal. Zelensky was asked about holding elections while the country is at war; he responded, “Yes, I am open to them, but they must be held under safe conditions.”
Visit to Washington
Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoys Keith Kellogg and Steve Witkoff accompanied President Trump during his talks with Zelensky. On Zelensky’s side, Chief of Staff Andrij Jermak and former Defense Minister Rustem Umierow were present. Earlier, the White House had received visits from the European Commission’s head, Presidents of France and Finland, the German Chancellor, and the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and Italy, who are set to join the Trump‑Zelensky discussion around 21:00 local time.
We Must Stop the Killing
Prior to his meeting with Trump, Zelensky posted on social media that his goal is a stable and long‑term peace for Ukraine and all of Europe. He stressed the importance of joint pressure from Europe and the United States on Russia, noting that the aggressor will not give up new conquests. “We must stop the killing and thank our partners who are working toward a stable and dignified peace,” he wrote, adding that a joint position agreed upon with European leaders and NATO’s Secretary General before the meeting with the U.S. President.
