U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday (August 18, 2025) for high-stakes talks, just days after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The discussions come at a critical moment in the Ukraine war, with fears that Washington may push Kyiv into accepting a peace deal tilted in Moscow’s favor.
European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine
Alongside Zelenskyy, leaders from Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO have also gathered in Washington. Their goal is to support Ukraine diplomatically and prevent any repeat of the tense Oval Office exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy that took place in February.
European officials see their joint presence as a powerful signal of unity with Kyiv at a time when Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to broker a peace settlement with Russia. Many in Europe worry that such a deal could come at Ukraine’s expense if Zelenskyy faces pressure to compromise.
Back-to-Back White House Meetings
According to the White House schedule, Trump’s one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy began at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time (1715 GMT) in the Oval Office. Later, at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT), the U.S. President is set to host a larger session with European leaders in the East Room.
The two-part format underscores both the urgency of the Ukraine talks and the importance of international coordination. For Zelenskyy, Europe’s backing inside the White House could prove crucial in countering U.S. pressure during negotiations.
A Crucial Diplomatic Moment
As the war drags on, the White House meetings are being closely watched across the world. For Kyiv, the concern is whether Trump’s push for a Russia-brokered peace will weaken Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. For Europe, it is about safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty while keeping Western allies united in their approach to Moscow.
