Zelenskyy is keen to learn the specifics of potential security guarantees in a future agreement, as stated by a Ukrainian official involved in negotiations. “We will not recognize the occupation. Although compromises are possible, we will not withdraw our troops,” noted another anonymous Ukrainian official. “We’ll uncover details about possible security guarantees and whether Trump genuinely pressured Putin into a comprehensive format for discussion.”
Following their meeting, Trump and Putin released limited information about their discussion. According to a White House official, Putin did not commit to specific security guarantees for Ukraine but indicated an understanding that they must be considered for the Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy and Trump are set to meet in the Oval Office at 1 p.m. Eastern time. This initial meeting will be open to the press and broadcast live, similar to Zelenskyy’s previous visit in February. An expanded meeting will occur around 3 p.m. in the East Room with European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their attendance as mediators highlights the change in dynamics with Trump since the Zelenskyy incident nearly six months ago.
Despite progress in rebuilding his relationship with Trump and efforts by European allies to align Trump more with their stance on Ukraine, Trump’s recent comments remind others of his eagerness to act as a dealmaker and his vulnerability to Putin’s influence.
A second Ukrainian official mentioned Trump’s openness to Putin’s suggestion that Ukraine should yield more territory to end the war, indicating a misinterpretation of the battlefield situation, which is not as one-sided as the president perceives. As a result, the official was pessimistic about achieving a breakthrough on Monday, stating, “We should expect another difficult meeting in the Oval Office.”
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