Will Try To Hold A Trilateral Meet With Russia: Trump, Zelenskyy Pledge to Seek ‘Lasting Peace’

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood side by side at the White House on Monday, declaring their shared commitment to ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump, addressing reporters before a high-level summit with European leaders, described the conflict as "a tough war to end" but insisted that peace was within reach. "It will be a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine," he said. "Both President Putin and President Zelenskyy want this war to end. We will hold a trilateral if everything goes well."

The U.S. president's remarks came just days after his private discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, fueling speculation that Washington might be rethinking its approach.

Zelenskyy Thanks Trump for Mediation Efforts

Zelenskyy, appearing measured yet visibly relieved by Trump's words, expressed gratitude for Washington's involvement. "I want to thank President Trump for trying to stop killings in Ukraine," he said. "We need strong guarantees, and we know peace cannot come if Russia decides when to stop. Ukraine counts on America and Europe to make this peace reliable."

The Ukrainian leader's acknowledgment contrasted with earlier tensions between the two men, when Trump publicly embarrassed him during an Oval Office meeting. Monday's remarks suggested a renewed attempt at cooperation.

Security Guarantees Central to Talks

The summit, which gathered leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO, is focused on finding a sustainable end to the three-year-old war. At the core of discussions are NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine - assurances that European leaders argue are vital to preventing future Russian aggression.

Trump, for his part, did not rule out deploying U.S. troops as part of a peace mechanism but framed it as a decision to be made with allies. "We want peace, but peace that lasts," he said.

European Leaders' Coordination

Ahead of the Washington talks, Zelenskyy and European leaders coordinated their positions, hoping to prevent Ukraine from being pressured into territorial concessions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that their goal was "a just peace, not a dictated one." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni added that Trump's engagement was "crucial" but must be backed by solid commitments.

Uncertain Path Forward

Trump's earlier push for a ceasefire by August 8 went unmet, and his Alaska meeting with Putin raised questions about what concessions might be on the table. Critics warn that Trump's openness to compromises, such as advising Ukraine to drop NATO membership ambitions or consider conceding Crimea, risks undermining Kyiv's leverage.