Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live Updates: US President Donald Trump announced that he has begun arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin after talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders in White House on Monday. Trump said he had already discussed the proposal with Putin during a phone call.
At a press conference, Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia suggested a bilateral meeting first, followed by a trilateral one with Trump, stressing he was open to “any format” for dialogue. However, he condemned Russia’s latest strikes, which killed at least 10 people, arguing they showed Moscow’s intent to undermine diplomacy and the urgent need for reliable security guarantees.
He stated, “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.” In a social media post, he added that at the conclusions of recent meetings, he had called President Vladimir Putin and “began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be decided , between President Zelenskyy and President Putin.” Trump further mentioned, “After that meeting happens, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself.”
What happened at the Trump-Putin meeting?
Donald Trump met his Russian counterpart Putin in Alaska on Friday — vehemently insisting that a ceasefire would be inked within hours. But nearly three hours of discussion concluded without a breakthrough as Trump echoed the Kremlin’s position on several key points. The US President is now pushing for direct peace negotiations without a ceasefire and urging Ukraine to cede land to ensure peace. He also teased ‘big progress on Russia’ without divulging additional details on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS on Sunday that the US might not be able to produce a scenario guaranteeing peace. The top official said the meeting had produced “enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy and the Europeans” — but that he was “not saying we’re on the verge of a peace deal”.
Cede land to Russia for peace: Trump tells Zelenskyy
Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders after the meeting with Putin — insisting it had been “determined by all” that the best way to end the war was by going directly to a Peace Agreement. European leaders have since made it clear that they were not in agreement and released a joint statement without acknowledging this detail. Britain, France, Germany and others also threatened to increase economic penalties against Russia on Saturday — “as long as the killing in Ukraine continues.”
He also told Zelensky that Putin had offered to freeze most front lines if Ukraine handed over its Donetsk region to Russia. Source-based reports suggest that US and Russian leaders had also discussed proposals for Moscow to relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv ceding a swathe of fortified land in the east. Zelenskyy had reportedly rejected the demand.
NATO-like special protection for Ukraine?
Special US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had agreed to allow allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee — similar to the collective defense mandate followed by NATO members — as part of an eventual deal to end the over three-year-long war. Putin had discussed Ukraine and other concerns with President Donald Trump for nearly three hours on Friday. Witkoff said it was the first time he had heard Putin agree to that.
“We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO,” told CNN.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Follow Live Coverage on US President Trump Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington Today
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Rubio says US pushing for “unprecedented” Zelensky-Putin meeting, Trump may join later
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed that the Trump administration is actively working to facilitate an “unprecedented” meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking on Fox News, Rubio said that if the initial meeting materialises and proves constructive, it could pave the way for a trilateral dialogue involving US President Donald Trump alongside Putin and Zelensky.
Rubio emphasised that the prospect of Putin agreeing to meet with Zelensky itself marks a significant diplomatic step, given the absence of direct dialogue since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While cautioning against expecting immediate breakthroughs, he noted the importance of restarting talks after over three and a half years of war.
According to Rubio, the aim is to create a pathway that could eventually lead to peace negotiations, even if the process remains complex and incremental.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: ‘We will try to work out a trilateral’, saysTrump on path to Russia–Ukraine talks
US President Donald Trump during his meeting with the European Heads of States, said, "...I spoke indirectly with President Putin today, and I will talk to him after this meeting as well. We will try to work out a trilateral (Russia, US, Ukraine) and see if we can put an end to this."
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Key Takeaways from White House meeting on Russia-Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined by seven European leaders, met Trump at the White House on Monday, just days after US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska. The meetings aimed to explore a path to end the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Trilateral Talks on the HorizonTrump revealed he has begun arranging a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which could later expand into a trilateral dialogue involving Washington. Zelensky said he is ready for talks with Putin “in any format.”
Security Guarantees Under DiscussionZelensky announced discussions on a plan for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion in American weapons, financed through European support. Another element would allow Ukraine to manufacture drones domestically, with the US buying part of the production. Formal agreements are expected within 10 days.
Boundaries and Direct Call to PutinWhile maps of Russian-occupied territories were discussed, NATO clarified that no territorial redrawing was on the table. European leaders also coordinated a direct call from Trump to Putin to convey the meeting’s outcomes.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: At White House, Zelensky outlines plan for $90 bn arms deal, drone production
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that talks with US President Donald Trump and European leaders at the White House focused on strengthening Ukraine’s long-term security guarantees.
Speaking at a news conference after the meeting, Zelensky revealed that discussions included a plan for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion worth of American weapons, financed through European funding. He added that another key element of the guarantees would allow Ukraine to manufacture drones domestically, with some of these to be purchased by the United States.
Zelensky stressed that the proposals remain under discussion and that no formal agreement has yet been signed. He said the arrangements are expected to be finalised within a week to 10 days.
The announcement highlights efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid ongoing Russian strikes, while also deepening strategic defence cooperation between Kyiv, Washington, and European partners.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: 'Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine', says Trump
US President Donald Trump stated, ‘’Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.’’ In a post, he added that at the conclusions of recent meetings, he had called President Vladimir Putin and ‘’began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be decided , between President Zelenskyy and President Putin.’’ Trump further mentioned, ‘’After that meeting happens, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself.’’
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump to dial Putin today?
Trump said the Russian leader was “expecting my call when we’re finished with this meeting” with Zelenskyy and the group of European leaders waiting at the White House. Trump and Putin met in person on Friday in Alaska to discuss ending the war.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: JD Vance stays quiet
Unlike the last time he was in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy, Vance made no comments during the public portion of Monday’s meeting. Seated on a couch with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance sat by as Trump and Zelenskyy interacted and took questions from reporters.
During February’s tense Oval Office meeting, Vance called Zelenskyy “disrespectful” for airing disagreements with Trump in public. Zelenskyy grew defensive, and Trump and his vice president blasted him as ungrateful, issuing stark warnings about future American support.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: European leaders continue push for ceasefire
Trump said in the Oval Office that he liked the concept of a ceasefire, but they could work on a peace deal while the fighting continued.
"I wish they could stop, I'd like them to stop," he said. "But strategically that could be a disadvantage for one side or the other."
During the later appearance, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed back on that suggestion.
"I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," Merz said. "So let's work on that and let's try to put pressure on Russia."
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump, European leaders plan additional meeting in Oval Office
According to reports, US President Donald Trump is now planning to bring European leaders back to the Oval Office before they depart. White House officials have attributed the addition to the official schedule to the that “everything is going well".
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump expects Putin to release over 1000 Ukrainian prisoners
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin to release over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners soon. He also forecasting some "really positive moves" after a trilateral meeting was agreed upon.
"I think you'll see that President Putin really would like to do something also. I know there's over 1,000 prisoners, and I know they're going to release them. Maybe they're going to release them very soon, like immediately, which I think is great," Trump said.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump says resolution possible within 'a week or two'
He suggested the next few weeks could see some sort of resolution.
"I think that President Putin wants to find an answer too, and we'll see," he said.
"In a certain period of time, not very far from now, a week or two weeks, we're going to know whether or not we're going to solve this or is this horrible fighting going to continue."
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: NATO Secretary General hails Trump for 'breakthrough' security guarantees
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hailed US President Donald Trump for his offer of security guarantees for Ukraine --- calling it tantamount to a “breakthrough” in securing a potential peace deal.
“The fact that you have said ‘I am willing to participate in the security guarantees’ is a big step, it’s really a breakthrough, and it makes all the difference. So also thank you for that,” Rutte said.
European leaders delivered public facing remarks --- taking turns to address Trump directly --- before adjourning for a private meeting. Here's what they said:
NATO'S MARK RUTTE:
"We have to stop the killing. We have to stop the destruction of Ukraine's infrastructure. This is a terrible war," Rutte said. He thanked Trump and said he "broke the deadlock."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S URSULA VON DER LEYEN:
"We are here to work together with you on a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, to stop the killing."
"Every single child has to go back to its family."
GERMANY'S FRIEDRICH MERZ:
"I can't imagine that the next meeting would took place without a ceasefire. So let's work on that and let's try to put pressure on Russia."
ITALY'S GIORGIA MELONI:
"We will talk about many important topics. The first one is security guarantees, how to be sure that it won't happen again, which is the precondition of every kind of peace."
FRANCE'S EMMANUEL MACRON:
"We've worked very hard during the past few years to have a peace, which is a robust and long-standing peace. This is why the idea of a trilateral meeting is very important because this is the only way to fix it."
UK'S KEIR STARMER:
"We're talking about security, not just of Ukraine, we're talking about the security of Europe and the United Kingdom as well, which is why this is such an important issue."
FINLAND'S ALEXANDER STUBB
"The fact that we're around this table today is very much symbolic, in the sense that it's Team Europe and Team United States helping Ukraine."
He said Finland shares a long border with Russia and had its own experience with the country during World War Two.
"We found a solution in 1944, and I'm sure that we'll be able to find a solution in 2025 to end Russia's war of aggression, find and get a lasting, just peace."
(via Reuters)
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump begins private meeting with European leaders after public comments
Trump begins private meeting with European leaders after public comments
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Visuals from Trump meeting with European leaders
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump says a peace agreement is attainable
US President Donald Trump said on Monday a peace agreement for the war in Ukraine is attainable as he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Trump, speaking with reporters present at the White House, said all would prefer an immediate ceasefire but that he was optimistic that an agreement can be reached to deter aggression in Ukraine.
Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy earlier that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was “unnecessary.”
After an hour of closed-door meeting with EU leaders and Zelenskyy, Trump then told reporters in the East Room that “all of us would obviously prefer the immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace.”
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Security guarantees, land concessions up for discussion today
Trump said his talks with European leaders would focus on security guarantees and land concessions on Monday. He added that the land concession issue would take “the current line of contact" into consideration.
“President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine. And this is one of the key points that we need to consider, and we’re going to be considering that at the table. m optimistic that collectively, we can reach an agreement that would deter any future aggression against Ukraine, and I actually think there won’t be,” Trump said.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump says "when, not if" a trilateral meeting happens
US President Donald Trump insisted on Monday that it was only a matter of "when not if" a trilateral meeting would take place. This would involve the POTUS as well as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump says resolution on Ukraine security guarantees will be reached today
“We will come to a resolution today, I think, on almost everything, including probably the security,” Trump said in the East Room while seated alongside Zelensky and European leaders.
“I have a feeling you and President Putin are going to work something out. Ultimately, this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelensky and by the people of Ukraine working also together in agreement with President Putin. And I just think that very good things are going to come of it," he also told Zelensky.
Special US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had agreed to allow allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee — similar to the collective defense mandate followed by NATO members — as part of an eventual deal to end the over three-year-long war.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump reiterates cal for direct peace agreement
"All of us would prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. As of this moment that is not happening. Peace agreement at end is attainable... It can be done in near future," Trump said.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: US President lavishes praise on European guests
Sitting in the East Room, Trump was jovial as he recognized all of the European leaders at the table. He called Starmer “my friend” and said he liked Macron “from day one.” He said Merz was “very strong” and said “I want to get a tan like that.” He praised Stubb’s appearance, saying “you look better than I’ve ever seen you look.”
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump begins multilateral meeting with European leaders
A delegation of top European leaders have begun talks with Trump and Zelenskyy in the White House. They are expected to push the POTUS to join them in taking a hard line with Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid future conflicts.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Buffet lunch and 'family photo'
The European leaders were scheduled to have a buffet lunch at the White House while Trump met with Zelensky. Then came a 'Family Photo' with Trump as per the White House schedule.
The US President is set to meet with the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO at 3:00 p.m. ET (1900 GMT).
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump poses with Zelensky, European leaders for a picture
The US president and his guests lined up in the White House in a show of solidarity for the cameras. Macron was on his left, Zelenskyy on his right.
While they were standing there, Trump gestured toward a painting that depicts him pumping his fist after surviving an assassination attempt during last year’s presidential campaign.
“That was not a good day. Not a great day. See the picture?”
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: What does Ukraine constitution say about territorial changes?
Russia currently occupies around a fifth of Ukraine and the US President has said "land-swapping" and changes to territory will be crucial for any settlement. Two sources briefed on Russian thinking told Reuters on Saturday that Putin and Trump have discussed a proposal requiring Ukraine to fully withdraw troops from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the eastern Donetsk region.
Any changes to Ukraine's territory would have to be settled in Ukraine by a referendum, according to the country's constitution. The question can be put to a referendum by popular initiative if the signatures of three million eligible Ukrainian voters are gathered from at least two thirds of the country's regions.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump, Zelenskyy begin closed-doors meeting
The leaders were holding closed-door talks after they made opening statements and answered questions from reporters who were admitted to the Oval Office to see them together.
A group photo of Trump, Zelenskyy and the European leaders will follow before everyone meets in the East Room to discuss how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Trump jokes about future elections
Zelenskiy told reporters he was open to holding elections, but it would require work in parliament and extra security to hold democratic, open and legal elections.
Trump countered: "So you're saying that during the war you can't have elections, so let me just say that three and a half years from now -- you mean if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections?"
Zelenskiy laughed, quickly adding, "No, no."
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live:Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants ‘everything’ as far as US security guarantees
Zelenskyy outlined what he said his country needed to feel secure, which included a “strong Ukrainian army” through weapons sales and training. The second part, he said, would depend on the outcome of Monday’s talks and what EU countries, NATO and the U.S. would be able to guarantee to the war-torn country.
Trump stopped short of committing U.S. troops to the effort, saying instead that there would be a “NATO-like” security presence but that all those details would be hashed out in their afternoon meeting with EU leaders.
“They want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and we’ll help them out with that,” Trump said. “I think its very important to get the deal done.”
Trump Zelenskyy Washington Meeting Live: Gold prices steady as investors assess meeting
Gold prices were largely steady on Monday, as investors focused on U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Ukrainian and European leaders, and the Federal Reserve's annual symposium in Jackson Hole this week.
Spot gold was marginally down at $3,333.32 per ounce at 01:42 p.m. ET (1742 GMT), after hitting its lowest level since August 1 earlier in the session.
U.S. gold futures for December delivery settled 0.1% lower at $3,378.