President Putin & Zelensky May Meet After Trump-Led Security Talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appear close to a peace summit. The possibility emerged after fast-moving talks on Monday involving Donald Trump and European leaders. Discussions centered on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
Trump said he spoke by phone with Putin—whom he met in Alaska last week—after a “very good” White House meeting with European leaders and Zelensky.
If the summit happens, it will be the first direct meeting between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three and a half years ago. Trump, now 79, has promised to quickly end the war.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.”
He added, “At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began arrangements for a meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky at a location to be determined.”
Trump also plans to hold a three-way summit afterward with both leaders.
Zelensky Says He’s ‘Ready’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Putin agreed to a bilateral meeting within two weeks. However, officials have not confirmed a date or location.
Outside the White House, Zelensky told reporters he is “ready” to meet with Putin. He called Putin a “bitter foe,” whose war has killed tens of thousands.
A Kremlin aide said Putin is open to the “idea” of direct talks with Ukraine.
The war has largely stalled. Despite some recent Russian gains, no side holds clear momentum. Trump’s earlier meeting with Putin last Friday did not result in a ceasefire.
After that, Zelensky flew to Washington to meet with Trump. The U.S. president has recently urged Ukraine to consider concessions to Russia.
Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO also said they would attend any upcoming summit. Their presence signals firm support for Ukraine.
A Warmer Oval Office Meeting
Trump with all the world leaders sitting around his desk is the best photo of 2025. pic.twitter.com/axjXk12Foj
— Mike Crispi (@MikeCrispi) August 19, 2025
Zelensky met with Trump one-on-one in the Oval Office their first meeting there since a tense encounter in February. At that time, Trump and Vice President JD Vance scolded Zelensky on live TV, accusing him of being ungrateful for U.S. aid.
This latest meeting was far more cordial. Zelensky called it their “best” yet. Trump even complimented the Ukrainian leader’s black jacket. In February, right-wing media had mocked Zelensky for not wearing a suit.
Focus on Security Guarantees
Trump said he and the European leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. He claimed Putin agreed to them, even though he still opposes Ukraine joining NATO.
Trump explained that the guarantees would come from European countries, in coordination with the United States.
NATO chief Mark Rutte called the meeting “very successful” and praised Trump for “breaking the deadlock.”
“Today was really about security guarantees,” Rutte said. “The U.S. is getting more involved, and details will be hammered out in the coming days.”
The Financial Times, citing a document it reviewed, reported that Ukraine agreed to buy $100 billion in U.S. weapons. Europe would finance the deal in exchange for American security commitments.
Zelensky later mentioned a $90 billion figure. He said Ukraine and its allies will finalize the terms within 10 days.
European Leaders Watch Trump’s Moves Closely
Despite positive steps, European leaders remain wary of Trump’s past friendliness toward Putin.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, Trump pushed Ukraine to give up Crimea and abandon its NATO ambitions—two of Putin’s key demands.
Peace and American leadership are BACK under President Trump. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/C3fy4Ojr0W
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 19, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that sanctions on Russia should increase if Putin fails to move toward peace.
Finnish President Alex Stubb said bluntly, “Putin is not to be trusted.”
Chancellor Merz strongly opposed any deal that forces Ukraine to give up territory. He compared the idea to asking the United States to surrender Florida.
