Trump Moves to Broker Face-to-Face Between Russian and Ukrainian Leaders

US President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting at the White House with several European leaders and international officials to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and explore pathways toward ending the nearly four-year-long war with Russia.

The meeting brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

According to President Trump, discussions centered on how European nations, in coordination with the United States, could provide long-term security guarantees to Ukraine. The talks included a session in the Oval Office, reflecting the significance Washington places on collective international involvement in supporting Kyiv.

“All sides expressed optimism about the possibility of peace between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said, calling the discussions “a very good, early step” toward ending the conflict.

At the conclusion of the meetings, Trump announced that he had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. While the location is yet to be determined, Trump said the encounter would serve as a precursor to a trilateral meeting involving himself and the two presidents.

“This is an important step toward achieving peace in a war that has caused great suffering and instability,” Trump noted.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been tasked with coordinating with both Russia and Ukraine as the process moves forward.

The White House described the talks as constructive, underscoring the unity of the United States and its European allies in working toward a peaceful resolution, while maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.