Moscow has yet to confirm meeting after day of intense diplomacy at White House with European leaders

 

Vladimir Putin has tentatively agreed to direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore a peace deal for Ukraine. This announcement came following complicated diplomatic efforts at the White House, where President Donald Trump and European leaders gathered. However, Moscow has yet to confirm the meeting officially.

 

This potential breakthrough came amid a day of tense diplomacy. Trump ruled out a ceasefire in Ukraine, while Zelenskyy and his European allies pushed hard for US-backed security guarantees as part of any lasting agreement. Zelenskyy expressed optimism, stating that security assurances for Kyiv would be “formalised” within 10 days following these intense talks.

 

Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce the progress, revealing that he called President Putin to arrange a meeting between him and Zelenskyy. This would be followed by a trilateral meeting that includes Trump himself. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing reporters, confirmed the arrangement of the meeting but voiced cautious optimism, citing uncertainty about Putin’s attendance and emphasizing that “persuasion is needed.”

 

According to Russia’s Tass news agency, Putin seemed open to the "idea" of such direct talks but stopped short of confirming the meeting would occur. Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has expressed Ukraine’s readiness to engage with Russia in “any format,” clearly indicating a willingness to discuss territorial matters on a bilateral level with the Russian president.

 

Monday’s White House meeting came on the heels of Trump’s summit with Putin in Anchorage. During that meeting, Trump indicated that the onus now lies on Zelenskyy to make possible concessions, which could potentially end the ongoing conflict. Observers saw this as Trump aligning more closely with Putin’s stance, a dramatic shift from his earlier position warning Russia of “very severe consequences” for continued aggression.

 

Upon meeting Zelenskyy at the Oval Office, Trump dismissed the necessity of a ceasefire, referencing his track record of resolving conflicts without them. Despite this, he assured that the US would contribute to Ukraine’s security in some capacity, emphasizing the importance of European countries taking a leading role, given their proximity and involvement.

 

Zelenskyy has proposed a substantial $90 billion purchase of US weaponry, primarily involving aircraft and air defense systems, which he describes as part of a comprehensive security assurance plan. He also revealed agreements with the US for future purchases of Ukrainian drones, underscoring the strategic military cooperation between the two nations.

 

At a series of discussions with leaders from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, and the European Union, security guarantees were a focal point. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that discussions did not involve conceding any territory to Russia, while other leaders echoed the sentiment that long-term security assurances are crucial.

 

In contrast to their previous encounter, Trump’s recent conversation with Zelenskyy unfolded more smoothly, much to the relief of European peers. Their prior meeting had been fraught with tension, but this round featured light-hearted exchanges, easing the diplomatic atmosphere.

 

European leaders continue to press the importance of a ceasefire in averting further Russian aggression. Although an immediate ceasefire remains elusive, talks are directed towards establishing enduring peace and security frameworks for Ukraine.

 

Trump suggested that subsequent negotiations would delve into territory exchanges and security guarantees, acknowledging Putin’s readiness to accept security assurances for Ukraine as a pivotal step. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need for reliable security measures to forestall future conflicts, underlining collective efforts for peace.

 

Zelenskyy articulated the critical need for a robust Ukrainian army to ensure national security, expressing optimism about securing support from the EU and NATO. While Trump did not rule out US troop deployment, he stated this issue would be part of ongoing discussions with European counterparts.

 

In lighter moments, Zelenskyy presented a note from his wife addressed to Melania Trump, advocating for the war’s broader humanitarian impact, particularly on children. This gesture marked a departure from past tensions, as the meeting concluded on a constructive note, leaving leaders focused on advancing peace in Ukraine.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-19

 

 

If Putin' doesn't show up or ducks out there will be "Severe consequences" in two weeks' or 90 days' or we may get a new red carpet 🤔 

Seems like Trump just wants to be on the cover of Time magazine for winning the Nobel Peace Prize award.

I hope Ukraine doesn't give up territory to stop the war.  Russia had already taken part of Ukraine several years ago.  Most likely they would just rebuild their military for a few years and start over again.

2 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

If Putin' doesn't show up or ducks out there will be "Severe consequences" in two weeks' or 90 days' or we may get a new red carpet 🤔 

At the end there will be the red carpet and normal/business relations as Trump is aiming for.

And von der Leyen will have to accept even with gritting teeth.

However, I'm sure that many "high" leaders eying for cheap energy from Russia again, Germany in particular.

Ukraine is not their main concern but economy and migrants, to avoid disparity and disruption in the population.