WASHINGTON TALKS END ON OPTIMISTIC NOTE AS TRUMP, ZELENSKY, AND EU LEADERS DISCUSS UKRAINE PEACE PLAN

A meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leaders of the European Union (EU) member-states, as well as Britain, has ended on a cautiously optimistic note, with leaders speaking of progress in their discussions on a potential peace plan for Ukraine. The meeting, which took place in Washington, attracted significant attention, with Trump, Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in attendance, along with EU commission officials.

According to reports, the leaders discussed a potential security guarantee for Ukraine, with the US agreeing to be part of the guarantee. Additionally, Trump announced plans for a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could later expand into a trilateral format involving himself. No date or venue has been fixed for the meeting, but it is expected to take place outside of Russia and Ukraine.

The meeting also touched on Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO, with an agreement in principle for Ukraine not to join the alliance. However, European leaders stressed the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, with Macron noting that “when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent.” Zelensky confirmed his readiness for a bilateral meeting with Putin, saying, “I confirmed – and all European leaders supported me – that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the talks as “very successful,” announcing that leaders would continue consultations virtually in the coming days. German Chancellor Merz emphasized the need for a ceasefire, saying, “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So, let’s work on that and try to put pressure on Russia.” The security guarantees, which include military aid, allied commitments, and support for Ukraine’s defense industry, are expected to be formalized on paper within 7-10 days.