Trump Plans Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting, Backs Security Guarantees/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump began arranging a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting while affirming U.S. involvement in security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders praised Washington’s role but urged a ceasefire before deeper talks. Zelenskyy signaled flexibility on conditions, though skepticism remains about Russia’s intentions.
Ukraine Peace Push Quick Looks
- Trump initiated arrangements for Putin-Zelenskyy face-to-face talks.
- U.S. pledged to join European-led security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Macron called U.S. involvement the “most important outcome.”
- Zelenskyy softened stance on requiring a ceasefire before talks.
- NATO’s Mark Rutte warned sanctions if Russia refuses dialogue.
- Trump suggested land disputes should be resolved at the table.
- U.S. troops unlikely; “NATO-like” security force under discussion.
- Russia rejected NATO peacekeepers, warning of escalation.
- European leaders urged Trump to push Putin for immediate ceasefire.
Deep Look: Trump Begins Planning Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting, Promises U.S. Backing on Security Guarantees
WASHINGTON — August 18, 2025
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has begun arranging a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling what could be a major diplomatic moment in the war. At the same time, Trump affirmed that the United States would join Europe in crafting security guarantees designed to prevent future Russian aggression.
The extended White House talks—attended by Zelenskyy, Trump, and top European leaders—ended with cautious optimism. French President Emmanuel Macron called Washington’s role in security guarantees the “most important” development of the day.
“The U.S. commitment to work with us on security guarantees is essential,” Macron told reporters.
Trump Reaches Out to Putin
Trump said he phoned Putin during the White House discussions to begin planning a Zelenskyy-Putin face-to-face meeting, possibly followed by a trilateral session involving all three leaders.
“I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” Trump wrote on social media. “After that, we will have a Trilat. A very good early step for a war that has gone on for nearly four years.”
It remains unclear whether Putin has formally agreed. Russia’s state news agency Tass cited Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov saying both leaders “spoke in favor” of continuing negotiations, but did not confirm Putin’s attendance.
Zelenskyy: No Preconditions
Zelenskyy, who once insisted on a ceasefire before talks, has now signaled more flexibility. “If Ukrainians start setting conditions, then the Russians will do the same,” he said. “That’s why we must meet without preconditions and explore paths to ending the war.”
Still, Zelenskyy warned that if Moscow refuses talks, Kyiv would call on Washington to respond “accordingly.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte added on Fox News that if Russia resists, “the United States plus Europe will do more on tariffs and sanctions.”
Ceasefire Debate and Territorial Disputes
During Monday’s meetings, Trump suggested questions of ceasefire and territorial control—including Crimea and Donbas—should be decided at the negotiating table between Zelenskyy and Putin.
This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier remarks, where he appeared to lean toward Putin’s demands for Ukraine to concede land. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire should be a priority before further diplomacy. “I would like to see a ceasefire at the next trilateral meeting,” he said.
Trump, however, reiterated that while a ceasefire was desirable, a final peace settlement was “very attainable” without one.
U.S. Role: Security Guarantees, Not Troops
Trump stopped short of pledging U.S. troops for Ukraine, but said he would support a “NATO-like” presence under joint Western coordination. The details remain unsettled, but Zelenskyy stressed Washington’s leadership was indispensable.
“It is important the United States make a clear signal,” Zelenskyy said. “They must be among the countries coordinating and participating in security guarantees for Ukraine.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry rejected any notion of NATO-style peacekeepers in Ukraine, warning of “unpredictable consequences.”
A Reset in Trump-Zelenskyy Relations
Monday’s meeting contrasted sharply with their disastrous Oval Office encounter in February, when Trump accused Zelenskyy of showing insufficient gratitude for U.S. aid. This time, Zelenskyy presented a letter from First Lady Olena Zelenska to Melania Trump as a gesture of goodwill.
Zelenskyy also dressed more formally in a jacket and buttoned shirt—departing from the military-style T-shirts that had previously drawn Trump’s criticism. He has said his informal attire since 2022 symbolized solidarity with soldiers on the front lines.
European Voices Push for Balance
“Peace must be lasting—not like after Crimea in 2014, when Putin used it as a springboard for further attacks,” Zelenskyy posted Sunday.
Despite concerns, European officials cautiously welcomed Trump’s effort to involve both sides directly.
Macron praised the U.S. role as “opening a path to peace,” while still urging stronger pressure on Moscow for a ceasefire.
Next Steps
As planning for a Putin-Zelenskyy summit proceeds, the stakes remain high. Will Russia accept talks without a ceasefire? Can Western powers agree on credible security guarantees? And will Ukraine resist pressure to concede territory for peace?
For now, Trump insists momentum is on his side. “A broader peace agreement is very attainable,” he said. “We all prefer an immediate ceasefire, but what matters is lasting peace.”
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