Did Trump Reveal Putin's Commitment to Ukraine's Security Guarantees?

Washington, Aug 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump recently announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has consented to provide security guarantees for Ukraine during their summit discussions last week, as part of a potential peace agreement.

"In a crucial advancement, President Putin confirmed that Russia is willing to accept security assurances for Ukraine, which is a pivotal aspect we must deliberate at the negotiating table, particularly regarding the responsibilities of each party involved," Trump stated on Monday while initiating discussions with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Trump emphasized that European countries would shoulder a significant portion of the responsibility for these guarantees.

"I believe that European nations will carry much of the load. We will assist them in ensuring these guarantees are robust," he remarked.

Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed optimism about the talks.

"Our conversation with President Trump was quite fruitful, and I am hopeful for even better discussions in the future," Zelensky noted during a meeting with European leaders.

Trump indicated a resolution regarding security guarantees for Ukraine is anticipated to be reached later on Monday following his meeting with Zelensky.

"I am confident we will finalize nearly everything today, including security provisions," Trump said in the East Room alongside Zelensky and European leaders.

He encouraged Zelensky, stating, "I believe you and President Putin will find common ground. Ultimately, this decision rests with President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, in collaboration with President Putin. I foresee positive outcomes from these discussions."

The proposed security terms may offer a compromise that safeguards Ukraine while preventing its NATO membership—something Russia has long opposed.

Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, previously described these assurances as akin to "Article 5-like protections", similar to those extended to NATO member nations.

During the talks with European leaders, President Trump outlined the objectives, stating they would explore "who will take on what roles" regarding security guarantees for Ukraine and discuss potential land exchanges to conclude the conflict.

"I am hopeful that together, we can formulate an agreement that deters future aggression against Ukraine, and I genuinely believe that will be the case," Trump stated.

The President mentioned the territorial concessions would consider the current contact line.

A coalition of European leaders convened at the White House to support Ukraine, engaging in discussions aimed at shaping the trajectory of Western assistance.

Trump appeared before cameras at the White House alongside Zelensky and European leaders, who posed for a photo in a unified front.

After their meeting, Zelensky and Trump engaged with several European leaders waiting at the executive residence, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

The atmosphere in the Oval Office during Monday's meeting was much more amiable compared to the heated exchanges during Zelensky's previous visit in February.

It was evident that the Ukrainian side had focused on ensuring the talks remained constructive.

Zelensky brought a letter for Trump from his wife and commended First Lady Melania Trump's message to Putin regarding the plight of children affected by the war.

Prior to the bilateral discussions, Zelensky declared that Ukraine requires "everything" in terms of security guarantees to finalize a deal.

He mentioned that Ukraine first needs a robust military, encompassing weaponry, personnel, training, and intelligence.

He added that such support would hinge on "major countries," particularly the US and its allies.

As discussions centered on the US's role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of deploying American troops to ensure lasting peace.

He also indicated that President Putin is awaiting his call after the meetings conclude and expressed his intent to propose a trilateral meeting involving Putin, Zelensky, and himself.

After Vice President J.D. Vance criticized him for being ungrateful during their February meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude multiple times within the first moments of his remarks.

"Thank you for the invitation, and I truly appreciate your personal efforts to halt the violence and end this war. I am also grateful for your wife’s contributions," he said.

Notably, Zelensky chose to wear a suit this time, likely a nod to Trump’s previous disapproval of his military attire during their last meeting, which led to a light-hearted exchange.

In contrast to February, Trump's team remained mostly silent throughout Monday's discussions.

Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Witkoff were present in the Oval Office during the meeting.

President Trump humorously commented on the notion of not holding elections during wartime after Zelensky indicated a willingness to conduct presidential elections post-conflict with Russia.

Zelensky informed reporters alongside Trump that elections cannot be held while the conflict rages on, a sentiment he has publicly maintained.

"We require a truce across all fronts—land, air, and sea—to facilitate democratic and lawful elections," he emphasized.

Trump interjected, stating that if they were at war in three-and-a-half years, there would be no elections, referencing the end of his term.

"Oh, that’s interesting," Trump remarked.

President Trump expressed his appreciation for the idea of a ceasefire but tempered his prior call for one, advocating instead for a comprehensive peace agreement.

"I favor the idea of a ceasefire for one reason: it would halt the killing immediately, rather than prolonging it for weeks," Trump told reporters during his meeting with Zelensky.

"While we're negotiating a peace deal, fighting must continue. I wish it could stop, but strategically, it may be disadvantageous for one side or the other," he explained.

"I understand why either nation might resist a ceasefire, as it would allow for rebuilding efforts, and they may not want that."

President Trump also noted that he had previously not enacted ceasefires in other conflicts he has claimed to resolve.

Amidst serious discussions of war and peace, a lighter moment transpired in the Oval Office when a reporter complimented Zelensky’s black suit, leading to a brief exchange between Trump and Zelensky.

"You look fantastic in that suit," the reporter remarked, referencing Zelensky’s attire during his earlier visit in February.

"I shared the same sentiment," Trump added.

"You're wearing the same suit," Zelensky quipped. "I’ve changed; you haven’t."

Zelensky's clothing choice was pre-discussed between US and Ukrainian officials before the talks, ensuring he did not arrive in his typical military sweatshirt.

Trump had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky's military uniform during his February visit, humorously noting that he had dressed up for the occasion.