President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders to the White House on Monday, Aug. 18, to discuss Ukraine’s security and the possibility of a peace deal with Russia.
Trump has tried to place himself as a middleman between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, aiming to end the war in Ukraine — the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II.
Just days earlier, Trump met with Putin in Alaska to talk about a possible ceasefire. On Monday, he invited Zelenskyy and leaders from NATO, the EU, Finland, Germany, France, Italy, and the U.K. to Washington, D.C.
This was Zelenskyy’s first return to the White House since February, when his meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance became heated, with both men accusing him of being ungrateful.
A More Peaceful Summit — With One Point of Disagreement
Unlike February’s explosive meeting, Monday’s talks were calmer. Zelenskyy wore a military-style suit, thanked Trump repeatedly, and avoided conflict.
But during the larger meeting with European leaders, disagreements arose. Trump, who once warned Russia of “very severe consequences” if it didn’t agree to a ceasefire, shifted his stance. He told the group that a ceasefire wasn’t needed, based on his recent talks with Putin.
French President Emmanuel Macron and others pushed back, saying negotiations shouldn’t move forward unless Russia paused its attacks. Macron also argued that European leaders should be more directly involved in talks with Putin, not just the U.S.
Trump closed the public portion of the meeting by saying there was still work to do in the days ahead.
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Trump Promises a Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting
After his private meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump told the group he would arrange a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin soon.
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Leaders Pose for “Family Photo”
Before starting group talks, Trump and Zelenskyy joined European leaders for a “family photo” in the White House foyer. The lineup included Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer, Alexander Stubb, Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, and Mark Rutte.
Trump also pointed out a large painting showing him on the day of the July 2024 assassination attempt, noting, “That was not a great day.” The painting currently hangs in the spot where Barack Obama’s official White House portrait is supposed to be, breaking tradition.
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Trump and Zelenskyy Take Questions
The two presidents briefly answered questions from reporters before continuing talks privately. Trump later said he would call Putin after the meeting to push peace efforts further.
A Change in Tone on Zelenskyy’s Appearance
In February, reporters mocked Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit. On Monday, reporter Brian Glenn praised him, saying, “You look fabulous in that suit.” Zelenskyy replied jokingly, pointing out that Glenn himself hadn’t changed outfits.
Zelenskyy’s choice of a dark, military-style suit this time was seen as a middle ground: formal but still symbolic of Ukraine’s ongoing war.
Looking Back at February’s Confrontation
During Zelenskyy’s last visit, peace talks fell apart after Trump and Vance scolded him. Vance accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful,” and Trump later joked the moment made “great television.”
Many world leaders quickly defended Zelenskyy afterward and criticized the U.S. response.
Trump Confident He Can Deliver Peace
Before Monday’s meeting, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he didn’t need “advice” from foreign policy experts. He insisted he knows how to end the conflict, writing:
“Despite all of my lightweight and very jealous critics, I’ll get it done — I always do!!!”
Trump’s Alaska Meeting with Putin
On Aug. 15, Trump met Putin in Alaska for three hours. Although no ceasefire was reached, Trump rated the summit a “10 out of 10” and said only a few points still needed to be worked out.
Putin also said the talks could help restore “business-like” relations between Russia and the U.S.
What’s Next
Trump’s peace plan now depends on cooperation not only between Putin and Zelenskyy but also with Zelenskyy’s European allies. Leaders who joined Monday’s talks included NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Ursula von der Leyen, Alexander Stubb, Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, and Keir Starmer.
Schedule of Monday’s events:
- 12 p.m. ET: European leaders arrive at the White House
- 1 p.m. ET: Zelenskyy arrives
- 1:15 p.m. ET: Trump and Zelenskyy meet in the Oval Office
- 2:15 p.m. ET: Trump greets leaders in the State Dining Room
- 2:30 p.m. ET: Leaders take “family photo”
- 3 p.m. ET: Full group meeting in the East Room
