Trump Engages with European Leaders, Discusses Potential Trilateral Meeting with Putin
Trump's Meeting with European Leaders
On Monday, President Donald Trump convened with several European leaders at the White House, including European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
During this significant meeting, Trump expressed, "I had the privilege of engaging with President Zelenskyy and we had in-depth discussions. I also communicated indirectly with President Putin today and plan to speak with him again after this meeting. Our goal is to explore a trilateral approach to resolve ongoing issues."
Prospects for Peace
#WATCH | Washington, DC | Trump mentions his discussions with Zelenskyy and Putin, emphasizing the need for peace. https://t.co/SvDu9jiBAV pic.twitter.com/mVppL84zq5
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) August 18, 2025
Trump further stated, "If today's discussions yield positive outcomes, I will arrange a meeting with President Putin. I am willing to attend that meeting if necessary, as our priority is to prevent further loss of life."
He highlighted the importance of the Alaska Summit, noting that it revealed the potential for peace. Trump mentioned that Putin has shown willingness to consider security guarantees for Ukraine, which is a crucial aspect of the ongoing dialogue. He also indicated the need to discuss possible territorial exchanges in light of the current conflict zones.
Zelenskyy's Response
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remarked, "Our conversation with President Trump was very productive. We discussed critical issues, particularly regarding security guarantees. The safety of Ukraine relies heavily on the support from the United States and allied leaders. We all aim to conclude this war. It is vital for the US to send strong signals and be prepared to offer security guarantees. I appreciate the First Lady's letter regarding our abducted children, and we look forward to discussing sensitive matters in the upcoming trilateral meeting that President Trump is working to organize."
#WATCH | Washington, DC | Zelenskyy expresses optimism about future discussions with Trump. pic.twitter.com/v2xp0doy7X
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) August 18, 2025