White House Peace Talks Show “Real Progress” Toward Ending Ukraine War
All eyes were on Washington, D.C., as former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several prominent European leaders on August 18 in a continued bid to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
The high-stakes meeting followed Trump’s private three-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska just days earlier. While no formal ceasefire was announced, Trump claimed “great progress” was made in that initial exchange.
At the White House, Zelenskyy was joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other EU figures for a roundtable discussion. Their united presence signaled strong European support for Ukraine amid fears that Trump may concede too much to Russia in pursuit of a fast resolution — something he had pledged he could secure within 24 hours of retaking office.
CBS News captured Trump on a hot mic saying: “I think he wants to make a deal for me, as crazy as it sounds,” in reference to Putin.
Following the summit, U.K. Prime Minister Starmer described the talks as a turning point. “There was a real sense of unity between the European leaders, President Trump, and President Zelenskyy,” he said.
Starmer confirmed two major outcomes:
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An agreement for a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, arranged after Trump placed a call to Putin during the meeting.
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Plans for a follow-up trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy.
Starmer emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s direct involvement in key issues like territorial sovereignty, prisoner exchanges, and the return of abducted children.
“This is recognition that Ukraine must be at the table,” he said. “We’ve made real progress today.”
