Zelensky to Meet Trump in Washington Monday as Peace Push Gains Momentum After Putin Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 18, 2025, for crucial discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, as diplomatic efforts intensify to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The visit comes just days after Trump’s three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, which, while described as “productive,” failed to yield a ceasefire or peace agreement.
Zelenskyy confirmed the trip on Saturday, stressing that the talks in Washington would focus on “concrete steps to stop the killing and the war.” He noted that the United States had signaled readiness to play a central role in providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, alongside key European allies.
Following the Alaska summit, Trump and Zelenskyy held a 90-minute call—first privately, then with the participation of European leaders and NATO officials.
According to sources familiar with the discussion, both sides explored the idea of a potential trilateral summit involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.
European capitals have cautiously welcomed Washington’s renewed diplomatic engagement, with leaders in Paris, Berlin, and London stressing that any lasting settlement must be anchored in transatlantic unity.
Zelenskyy echoed this stance, saying, “Europe’s role in this process is indispensable.”
In a notable shift, Trump has opted against imposing fresh sanctions on Russia or its partners for now, arguing that keeping diplomatic channels open is vital at this stage. However, he warned that sanctions remain an option if Moscow escalates its military campaign.
The agenda for Monday’s meeting is expected to cover ceasefire terms, humanitarian relief, Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, and its NATO ambitions. While expectations for a swift breakthrough remain low, the talks are being viewed as a critical opportunity to reset the course of negotiations after months of stalemate.
Global attention will be firmly fixed on Washington as Zelenskyy and Trump sit down for what could be a decisive chapter in efforts to end one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts in decades.
