The White House was the center of global attention yesterday as U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders for high-level talks aimed at finding a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.
The meeting followed Trump’s recent private three-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which no ceasefire terms were finalized. However, Trump insisted afterward that “great progress” had been made.
Zelenskyy’s White House visit brought together key European figures, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. The coalition of leaders held a roundtable discussion with Trump, addressing concerns over how negotiations might unfold and emphasizing support for Ukraine’s stance.
Kyiv has repeatedly made clear that it does not intend to cede significant territory to Russia, despite the terms reportedly floated by Moscow. The presence of multiple European leaders was seen as a strong message of unity with Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
During the talks, a remark caught on a hot mic suggested that Trump believes Putin may be willing to make a deal through him. While details of this possible arrangement remain uncertain, the tone of the summit appeared more constructive than Zelenskyy’s last visit to Washington.
HOT MIC: Trump tells Macron, "I think he (Putin) wants to make a deal for me."
— Lincoln Square (@LincolnSquareHQ) August 19, 2025
No, Donald. The only thing Putin wants to do is to use you like the useful idiot you are. pic.twitter.com/ydzgwY2dIe
Speaking afterward, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the meeting as encouraging. “There was a real sense of unity between the European leaders, President Trump, and President Zelenskyy,” he said.
Starmer also revealed two key outcomes:
- An agreement that direct negotiations between Putin and Zelenskyy will take place, following a phone call mediated by Trump.
- Recognition that issues such as territorial disputes, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced children must involve Ukraine directly at the negotiating table.
“These were the most important outcomes from today. They’re positive steps forward, and there was a genuine sense of progress,” Starmer said.
While challenges remain, the White House talks signaled a renewed push for diplomacy — and a reminder that global unity will be vital in shaping Ukraine’s path to peace.