Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has enthusiastically welcomed the prospect of ending the Russia-Ukraine war and has begun arrangements to organize a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump announced this on his Truth Social platform, stating that a bilateral meeting would be arranged between Russia and Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting including himself. On August 18, 2025, Trump held a meeting at the White House with Zelenskyy and European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The meeting focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and pathways to end the war.read also: PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting to Discuss Roadmap for Next-Generation Reforms
Trump made a phone call to Putin, discussing arrangements for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, which lasted approximately 40 minutes. Zelenskyy described the meeting as constructive and expressed readiness to meet Putin in any format, though no specific date has been set. He reiterated Ukraine’s conditions for a lasting peace, including credible security guarantees and the return of children taken by Russia. European leaders emphasized Ukraine’s inclusion in peace talks and stressed that a ceasefire should be the first step in negotiations, a stance that contrasts with Trump’s focus on a permanent peace agreement. Following a summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump has prioritized a lasting peace deal over a ceasefire. Putin proposed terms including territorial exchanges, such as full control over the Donetsk region, but Zelenskyy rejected these demands, citing Ukraine’s constitution, which prohibits ceding territory.read also:Dera Sacha Sauda Honors Global Aid Efforts on World Humanitarian Day 2025
Trump stated that the US is prepared to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, which his envoy Steve Witkoff suggested could resemble NATO’s Article 5 defense pact. European leaders, including Macron and Merz, expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, suggesting Putin aims to gain more territory rather than pursue peace. Macron insisted that no talks are possible without a ceasefire, while Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev called these meetings a significant diplomatic day focused on long-term peace. Trump indicated that the bilateral meeting could occur soon, possibly within a month, though the venue is yet to be determined. Depending on its success, a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy will be organized. This initiative reflects Trump’s intense efforts to end the war that began in February 2022, though disagreements over Ukraine’s territorial status and security guarantees remain significant challenges.JUNEBERRY® Cotton Round Neck Regular Fit Plain Solid Full Sleeve T-Shirt Combo for Women (Pack of 3) (Available Colors: Black, White, Navy, Green,Swanwhite & Cork)