Trump Hosts Historic White House Summit, Pushes Peace Roadmap for Ukraine
Washington, D.C., August 19, 2025 — In a dramatic turn in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile meeting at the White House on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leading European heads of state. The rare gathering, which included France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Finland’s Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signaled renewed international momentum for a negotiated peace.
According to Trump, the primary focus was on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine, designed to ensure Kyiv’s long-term safety and stability. The guarantees would be coordinated by the United States but largely implemented through European partners. “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace,” Trump declared, characterizing the talks as a “very good, early step” toward ending a war that has stretched into its fourth year.
In a surprise move, Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the summit, setting the stage for an upcoming Zelenskyy–Putin meeting at a yet-to-be-determined location. Following that bilateral, Trump plans to host a trilateral dialogue with both leaders, positioning himself as a central broker in the peace process.
European leaders cautiously welcomed the initiative, though concerns remain about Russia’s willingness to compromise. Chancellor Merz warned that Moscow continues to resist territorial concessions, while Macron stressed that any agreement must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been tasked with coordinating the next phase of discussions with Kyiv and Moscow.
While optimism is tempered by uncertainty, the White House summit marked one of the most significant diplomatic pushes of the conflict — a moment that could either open the door to lasting peace or highlight the deep divisions still ahead.
