WASHINGTON, Aug 18 – President Donald Trump assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine’s security as part of any eventual peace settlement to end the war with Russia. The announcement came during a high-level summit at the White House attended by Zelenskiy and several European leaders. The commitment, while welcomed by Kyiv, left questions unanswered about how extensive Washington’s role would be.
Trump, who only days earlier held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, emphasized that European nations would remain central to any framework but confirmed that Washington would play a supporting role. “When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help,” he said, stressing that European allies “are the first line of defense” while pledging U.S. backing.
Zelenskiy responded positively, describing the announcement as “a major step forward” and revealed that both sides were working to finalize written guarantees within the next week to 10 days. He added that Ukraine had offered to purchase about $90 billion in American weaponry, underlining Kyiv’s determination to bolster its defenses.
This meeting struck a markedly warmer tone compared to the strained Oval Office encounter in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Zelenskiy. This time, Zelenskiy repeatedly expressed his gratitude, reinforcing his efforts to secure stronger commitments from Washington.
Uncertainty Over Peace Prospects
Despite the encouraging signals, the path to a peace agreement remains complex and uncertain. Russia’s Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed the possibility of NATO troops being deployed to secure any arrangement, complicating Trump’s proposal. Still, both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped the Washington gathering would lead to direct negotiations involving Putin.
Trump disclosed that he had already spoken with the Russian leader and was arranging a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, with the aim of a three-way summit involving all three presidents. According to European officials present, Putin himself suggested such a sequence. While the Kremlin has not officially confirmed the plan, U.S. officials indicated that a meeting between Zelenskiy and Putin could take place in Hungary within the next two weeks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed that timeline, suggesting that momentum was building for direct dialogue.
Russia and Ukraine last held direct negotiations in Turkey in June, but the discussions produced minimal results. Putin declined Zelenskiy’s invitation for a personal meeting, instead sending lower-level envoys. Any new talks will face the same hurdles, particularly regarding territorial concessions and Ukraine’s long-term security alignment.
In Washington, European leaders pressed for a ceasefire as a necessary step before moving forward with peace negotiations. Both Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron argued that halting hostilities must be the first priority. Macron warned that any security guarantees offered to Ukraine would be tied to the stability of the entire European continent. However, Trump appeared to shift positions, saying he favored a broader peace framework even if fighting continued in the meantime. “I wish they could stop, I’d like them to stop,” he remarked, but added that an immediate ceasefire might disadvantage one side strategically.
Strengthening Alliances and Security Guarantees
The White House summit underscored the effort to unify positions between Kyiv, Washington, and Europe. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, NATO, and the European Union attended the talks, all pressing for firm assurances that Ukraine would not be left vulnerable in a post-war environment.
Trump greeted Zelenskiy warmly upon his arrival, contrasting sharply with February’s contentious meeting. He complimented the Ukrainian president’s appearance in a formal suit, which observers noted was a departure from his usual military attire. When asked by reporters about his message to Ukrainians, Trump responded, “We love them,” while placing a supportive hand on Zelenskiy’s back.
Behind the symbolism, however, difficult policy debates remain unresolved. Trump has pushed for a rapid end to what he calls “Europe’s deadliest war in decades.” Yet, concerns persist among Kyiv and its allies that he may seek a settlement leaning toward Russia’s demands. After the Alaska meeting, critics accused him of giving Putin a diplomatic victory, an accusation Trump has firmly denied. His team maintains that both sides will need to compromise, although Trump has pointedly suggested that Ukraine may need to abandon its aspirations to reclaim Crimea or secure NATO membership.
NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified that membership for Ukraine was not under current discussion. Rather than discussing full NATO membership, the talks centered on security assurances similar to “Article 5”, which commits members to collective defense. Rutte noted that such an arrangement could provide Ukraine with robust protection while avoiding immediate NATO accession.
Zelenskiy has already signaled opposition to proposals reportedly floated in Alaska, which included ceding additional territory in eastern Donetsk. He insisted that any territorial concessions would require approval through a national referendum, making compromise politically fraught.
What Comes After Washington
The war, now lasting more than three and a half years, has inflicted devastating consequences. Over a million people have been killed or wounded, including thousands of Ukrainian civilians, and entire regions of the country have been reduced to rubble. For Ukraine, any settlement that undermines sovereignty or territorial integrity remains unacceptable.
While Trump’s pledge of U.S. support has been welcomed by Kyiv as a breakthrough, the real test will be how these guarantees are translated into enforceable commitments. European leaders are pushing for immediate steps to halt the bloodshed, but differences remain over sequencing a ceasefire and comprehensive peace talks.