Zelensky–Trump Meeting LIVE: Kyiv Calls on US to Secure ‘Peace Through Strength’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Oval Office — the same venue where their February talks ended abruptly after a public spat.

The talks come just days after Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where discussions on a Ukraine ceasefire failed to yield results. Trump later invited Zelensky to Washington, saying he would consult both Kyiv and European allies before agreeing to any deal.

Key Points from the Trump–Zelensky Meet

• European leaders join in: Zelensky will be joined by leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen during the Washington talks.

• Trump shifts stance: After the Alaska summit, Trump dropped his earlier demand for a ceasefire first, instead pitching a broader peace deal. On Truth Social, he reiterated: “No getting back Obama-given Crimea… and no NATO for Ukraine. Some things never change!”

• Zelensky’s response: Upon landing, Zelensky stressed: “Russia must end this war, which it itself started. Ukrainians are fighting for their land, their independence… I hope our joint strength with America and Europe will force Russia into a real peace.”

• Meeting schedule: Trump and Zelensky will first meet one-on-one before the wider session with European leaders. The bilateral is set for 1:15 p.m. local time (1715 GMT / 10:45 p.m. IST) at the White House, according to Reuters.