WASHINGTON SUMMIT AIMS TO ADVANCE PEACE PROCESS – Leaders pledge security guarantees as peace talks with Russia advance
U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House on Monday, pledging to advance the Russia-Ukraine peace process. Trump described the talks as “a very good step,” saying security guarantees for Ukraine will be coordinated between Europe and the United States.
The U.S. president also said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin to prepare a face-to-face meeting with Zelensky, which he hopes will lead to trilateral talks involving himself. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stressed the need for a ceasefire and lasting security guarantees.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called Trump’s willingness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine a “breakthrough.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged joint efforts to secure what she called a just and lasting peace.
Ukraine’s foreign minister described the Washington talks as a decisive moment, while European Council President Antonio Costa announced a video conference for Tuesday to debrief members and coordinate next steps.
