Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with then‐former president Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. This meeting happened against a backdrop of rising tensions and violence after the start of the war in Ukraine. Unlike his usual meeting locations, this meeting was held in the Oval Office. It came on the heels of high-profile conversations between US and European leaders, driving home what the situation was becoming as Russian attacks spread.
Just a few hours before their meeting, Ukrainian authorities shared shocking news. Just days prior, Russian attacks had killed at least 10 people and injured 23 more. That tragic state of affairs guided the first few conversations between Zelenskyy and Trump. Their agenda included formulating viable security guarantees for Ukraine and life-affirming routes toward durable peace.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States came after an earlier meeting with Trump in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. This is what the two leaders had discussed in a brief but consequential encounter deep inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Their bilateral meeting demonstrated their resolve to continue collaborating and face the current geopolitical challenges. Zelenskyy put in the work by personally lobbying European leaders while they were negotiating on the continent. He held discussions with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Zelenskyy and Trump both offered glimpses into what the current battlefield looks like in Ukraine. They shone light on the important diplomatic steps needed to address the ongoing conflict. The participation of these European leaders turned out to be critical, as they were getting ready to come up and join those discussions in Washington.
Giorgia Meloni, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz would be eager to paint their countries’ support for Ukraine in the brightest possible colors. For Western allies, they will look for common cause in opposing Russian aggression. Their dialogue was underpinned by a consistent signal from the UK government. Reassuringly, the new incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated that the UK would support a peace agreement for Ukraine—even if that does not involve a ceasefire first.
“When peace is discussed for one country in Europe, it means peace for all of Europe.” – Donald Trump
Friedrich Merz had just voiced his optimism regarding these new developments immediately after the summit in Alaska. He noted that the United States might be prepared to favor security guarantees for Ukraine if a peace deal endorsed by Zelenskyy is arrived at. This sentiment was crucial as European leaders sought to maintain a strong alliance with the U.S. while addressing the challenges posed by Russia.
At the same time, Zelenskyy’s presence in Washington acted as a counterpoint to the role of broader international dynamics. Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally invested in diplomacy with heads of state in Brazil, India, and South Africa. In particular, he planned for Zelenskyy’s long-expected visit. This outreach was further demonstration of Russia’s efforts to shore up its alliances, as Moscow becomes increasingly isolated from the West.
Zelenskyy knew he would be facing a skeptical Trump and a divided European leadership. At the same time, he expressed the enormous burden to address the devastating humanitarian situation resulting from continued hostilities. That backdrop of the recent escalation in violence only heightened the urgency of their talks.
“Last night, Russian attacks on our cities continued – among those killed were two children, and dozens of people were wounded.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The lack of a Polish representative at such an important meeting was alarming. Poland has been a key player in previous formation consultations regarding Ukraine. This surprising move threatened to expose new cracks in the European coalition united behind Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s meetings in Washington were not only focused on immediate security measures but aimed at long-term solutions that could facilitate a lasting peace. As those leaders made clear in their opening discussion, togetherness is key. They reiterated the importance of strategic thinking to address the multifaceted challenges created by Russia’s war of choice.
“Russia can only be forced into peace through strength, and President Trump has that strength.” – Donald Trump