Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington DC on Sunday to meet US President Donald Trump. He expressed his desire to end the war with Russia “quickly and reliably.” The visit follows Trump’s recent high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two discussed a potential peace agreement for Ukraine.
Zelensky Calls for Lasting Peace
On X, Zelensky wrote, “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East—part of Donbas—and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack. Or when Ukraine was given so called ‘security guarantees’ in 1994, but they didn't work." He added, “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. Now, our soldiers have successes in 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 and invaluable assistance. Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace. Thank you!”
I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2025
Trump-Zelensky Meeting Schedule
According to the White House, Trump will hold a bilateral meeting with Zelensky at 1:15 pm local time (1715 GMT, 10:45 pm IST) on Monday. Later, at 3 pm, Trump will join a multilateral meeting with European leaders. The European leaders will work with Zelensky to advance peace talks and prevent renewed Russian aggression.
US Offers Security Guarantees
The Trump administration has indicated it is ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees. This step was welcomed by Zelensky and European leaders. Zelensky will first meet privately with Trump. Afterward, European leaders including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen will join discussions.
Background: Alaska Summit with Putin
The Washington visit follows Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska, where no ceasefire or major breakthrough was announced. Trump described the talks as “extremely productive”, saying “many points” were agreed.
Return to Oval Office After Tense February Meeting
Zelensky returns to the Oval Office for the first time since a stormy February meeting with Trump. During that encounter, Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky on live television, accusing him of ingratitude for US aid and urging a swift end to the war. The tension escalated during a press Q&A, when Vance called Zelensky “disrespectful” for questioning Putin’s trustworthiness. Zelensky warned that while the US is currently distant from the conflict, “you will feel it in the future” if Putin is appeased. Trump later said, “We are not there yet, but we have made progress. There is no deal until there's a deal,” without giving further details.