Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Washington DC for a crucial round of talks with US President Donald Trump, just days after Trump’s high-stakes summit with Putin in Alaska. The discussions are expected to shape the next phase of efforts to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, but they also leave Kyiv facing a difficult set of options as Trump pushes for a rapid peace deal.

Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Scheduled At White House

According to White House press guidance, Trump and Zelenskyy will hold a bilateral meeting at 1:15 pm (local time) on Monday (10:45 pm IST), followed by a multilateral session at 3 pm with top European leaders. The visiting leaders include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

For Zelenskyy, the visit marks a return to the Oval Office after his stormy February meeting with Trump, which ended in a sharp public clash and temporarily froze US military assistance to Ukraine. This time, the stakes are higher: Trump has publicly stated that he wants Ukraine to agree quickly to a settlement with Russia, even if that means ceding territory in exchange for security guarantees.

Peace At Any Price?

After his Alaska summit with Putin, Trump indicated he was willing to explore a peace framework that could involve “land swaps” and Article 5-style security guarantees for Ukraine. “We are not there yet, but we have made progress. There is no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump said, without giving details. US envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that Washington and its allies are discussing “Article 5-like language” to protect Ukraine, a reference to NATO’s principle that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. However, what exact form these guarantees would take, and whether Putin would accept them, remains uncertain. European officials expressed worry that Trump’s eagerness for a quick settlement could play into the Kremlin’s hands by forcing Ukraine into painful concessions. A senior European government source told AFP that Monday’s joint meetings are aimed at pressing the US to provide clarity on the guarantees, while ensuring that Kyiv is not left isolated at the negotiating table.

Speaking ahead of his Washington visit, Zelenskyy reiterated his firm opposition to territorial concessions. “Of course, Crimea should not have been given up then, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022. Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence,” he said. The Ukrainian leader added that any lasting peace must avoid the mistakes of the past, when earlier security assurances failed to prevent Russian aggression. “Now, our soldiers have successes in the Donetsk and Sumy regions. I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on X.

What's Next?

Trump campaigned on a promise to “end the war quickly” after taking office in January, is under pressure to deliver results. But so far, Russia has shown interest in halting its offensive but with certain conditions. In the meantime, Moscow has escalated attacks in recent months, making June and July the deadliest period in over three years of war, according to UN data.

ALSO READ: Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End Ukraine War ‘If He Wants’, Shuts Door On Joining NATO Ahead Of Washington Talks

Though Trump has scaled back threats of new sanctions on Moscow, focusing instead on securing a comprehensive deal. European leaders are expected to caution against rushing into an agreement without solid commitments from Russia. Now, if Zelenskyy resists Trump’s pressure, Ukraine risks losing American support at a time when European military aid remains fragmented. But if he accepts a deal that involves ceding occupied territories, he could face a political backlash at home, where a majority of Ukrainians oppose surrendering land to Russia despite growing war fatigue. The Ukrainian leader is also under domestic pressure following recent political turbulence in Kyiv, where street protests erupted over his handling of anti-corruption institutions. His Washington talks will therefore be closely watched not only in international capitals but also in Ukraine’s political circles.

ALSO READ: Meloni, Starmer, Other Leaders To Join Zelenskyy In Meeting With Trump On Ukraine Peace Talks; Check Full List

Monday’s talks in Washington may not deliver an immediate breakthrough, but they will set the direction for the months ahead. For Ukraine, the outcome could determine whether its struggle for sovereignty is secured by firm international guarantees or undermined by a premature peace that leaves the door open for renewed Russian offensives.

With inputs from agencies.