What happened in Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders

Despite good comments by Trump and optimistic assessments by the European leaders, no concrete commitments were made regarding the ceasefire agreements and security guarantees by Monday evening when the meeting concluded at the Oval Office.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, from left, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pose for a group photo in the Grand Foyer of the White House, in Washington. (AP Photo)

Here are some key takeaways from the talks:

Putin-Zelenskyy meeting on cards

Following the summit, US President Donald Trump said that he held “very good talks” with Ukraine President Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the Oval Office on Monday, and he called up Russian President Vladimir Putin and said that he has begun arranging talks between the Russian leader and Zelenskyy.

Trump said following the bilateral between Putin and Zelenskyy, whose location is yet to be determined, there would be a trilateral summit which will include the US president as well. A Kremlin spokesperson later said that Trump and Putin spoke for 40 minutes over the call, BBC reported.

Security Guarantees

Ukraine President Zelenskyy told the media that discussion on Monday in White House included plans for Kyiv to purchase American weapons worth $90 billion via European funding, which would act as part of the country’s security guarantees.

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Another part of the security guarantee discussed was Ukraine manufacturing drones, a few of which would be purchased by the United States. However, no formal agreements have been made and the discussion remains ongoing.

Trump still a no on ceasefire as European leaders push back

Donald Trump again dismissed the possibility for an immediate ceasefire in hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that negotiations to end the war should take place first. After concluding his summit with President Putin last week in Alaska, Trump had said that a ceasefire is not necessary, wanting to move to the table to negotiate a quick peace deal.

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Regarding the ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said, “I don’t know that it’s necessary.” However, the European leaders pushed back at Trump’s suggestion with the strongest rebuttal coming from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,” Merz said, adding they need to work on a ceasefire and put pressure on Putin.

Redrawing Ukrainian Boundaries

Zelenskyy said he held a long discussion with President Trump over a map, displayed in the Oval Office during their meeting, which showed Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.

However, the NATO chief Mark Rutte, who was present in the meeting, said redrawing of Ukrainian territory was not discussed. European leaders said it was a matter for Zelenskyy to discuss at a potential trilateral meeting involving Russia.