President Trump stated on Monday that he had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after discussions at the White House with key European leaders and started planning a possible bilateral meeting that would include Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump stated that the meeting between Putin and Zelensky would take place at a time and location yet to be determined. This would mark the first time the two leaders have met in person since the war began in February 2022.
“Following that meeting, we will hold a Trilat, which will include the two Presidents and me,” Trump posted on Truth Social. "Once more, this was a strong initial move in a War that has persisted for nearly four years."
Trump and various global leaders generated some momentum for a trilateral meeting among the three leaders as a group of Europeans arrived at the White House, together with Zelensky, for discussions on Monday after Trump hosted Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Trump's conversation with Putin followed an afternoon spent at the White House with Zelensky and seven important European leaders to talk about ways to end the war in Ukraine, ongoing since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
“Trump posted on Truth Social that we talked about Security Guarantees for Ukraine during the meeting, highlighting which Guarantees different European Countries would offer, in coordination with the United States.” "Everyone is quite pleased about the prospect of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine."
Trump, Zelensky, and various European leaders displayed a cohesive stance during Monday's meeting. The leaders discussed their wish to conclude the war, although some obstacles arose during the afternoon.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz contended that a follow-up meeting with Putin should only occur after a ceasefire agreement is reached. Trump dismissed the idea, claiming that a ceasefire wasn't necessary for reaching a peace deal.
Information was also limited on what security assurances would look like for Ukraine. Trump suggested that U.S. forces might participate but emphasized that Europe would spearhead the effort.
Trump has stated that Ukraine will be responsible for deciding on potential territorial concessions in any peace deal, although he has occasionally suggested that “land swaps” may be necessary. A picture shared by a senior White House official on Monday displayed Trump and Zelensky in front of a map of Ukraine, indicating the regions occupied by Russian troops.
Meetings on Monday at the White House followed Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska last Friday. That meeting, which was Putin’s first visit to the U.S
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