Trump Moves to Arrange Zelensky–Putin Peace Summit After White House Talks

US President Donald Trump said Monday he has begun arranging a peace summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, following high-level talks at the White House with Zelensky and European leaders.

Trump said he phoned Putin — whom he met in Alaska last week — after “very good” meetings with Zelensky and European counterparts. “At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He added that he would later hold a three-way summit with both leaders.

According to a source cited by AFP, Putin told Trump he was ready to meet Zelensky. Trump also said security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed, with Europe expected to lead on the issue in coordination with Washington. He claimed Putin had signaled acceptance of Western-backed guarantees, even as Russia continues to oppose Ukraine joining NATO.

The White House hosted an extraordinary gathering that included Trump, Zelensky, and the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission and NATO. Zelensky also held his first one-on-one Oval Office meeting with Trump since their heated exchange in February. This time, both leaders described the talks as their “best yet,” with Trump even complimenting Zelensky’s trademark black jacket.

Trump struck an optimistic note, suggesting a breakthrough could come within “a week or two,” though he reiterated pressure on Kyiv to consider concessions, including giving up Crimea and dropping its NATO ambitions. He also raised the prospect of “exchanges of territory” with Russia — a proposal Ukraine has rejected.

While European leaders praised Trump’s initiative, divisions emerged. NATO chief Mark Rutte voiced enthusiasm, while French President Emmanuel Macron called for a separate European-led format. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a ceasefire before broader peace talks, warning against forcing Ukraine to cede land.

Despite the diplomacy, Russia launched fresh strikes overnight that killed at least seven civilians, including two children, underscoring the ongoing toll of the war.