Washington, Aug 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders during a meeting at the White House that he believes it's a matter of 'when, not if' regarding a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting could potentially bring an end to Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine.

While addressing the European leaders, Trump expressed his intention to propose the idea of a trilateral meeting to Putin, who has indicated a willingness to meet Zelensky only after peace deal negotiations are underway.

Initially suggesting, 'we may or may not have a trilat', Trump later asserted that it’s more about 'when, not if' the meeting will occur, adding, 'I think if we have a trilat, there's a good chance of maybe ending the war.'

The discussion aims to clarify 'who will do what' in terms of security guarantees for Ukraine, hinting at a possible resolution by the day's end.

Additionally, Trump stated that 'possible exchanges of territory' would be on the table to facilitate the end of the conflict.

He anticipates that Putin will free over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners following the trilateral meeting, although Russia had not confirmed participation by Monday afternoon.

President Zelensky described his earlier conversation with Trump as 'very good', where they touched upon security guarantees and humanitarian issues.

Zelensky expressed enthusiasm for Trump's involvement in the trilateral meeting with Putin.

A closed-door discussion with Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders commenced just before 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Earlier, Trump reassured Zelensky of offering 'very good protection and very good security' in response to inquiries regarding security guarantees, a critical demand for a resolution to the conflict.

European leaders attending this crucial meeting included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Trump did not dismiss the idea of deploying US troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees for a potential peace agreement with Russia.

He remarked, 'We’ll let you know that, maybe later today', when questioned about troop deployment.

Emphasizing that Europe should spearhead peace efforts, Trump noted that the US would remain actively involved.

'They are first line of defence, because they’re there, Europe. But we’re going to help them out. Also, we’ll be involved', Trump stated, as reported by CNN.

He reiterated that the US aims to collaborate with both Ukraine and Russia to secure lasting peace in Ukraine when asked about the possibility of US peacekeepers being part of a peace deal.

Meanwhile, Zelensky underscored the urgent need to halt the war and Russian aggression through diplomatic channels when questioned about 'redrawing the maps' or conceding territory to Russia.

The Ukrainian President highlighted ongoing Russian assaults leading up to Monday's discussions.

Trump refrained from indicating whether Ukraine or Russia 'holds the cards' in the ongoing conflict.

The meetings on Monday followed Trump and Putin's discussions in Alaska last Friday, which concluded without a ceasefire agreement.

While both leaders provided scant details about their talks, Trump mentioned on Saturday via Truth Social that he is advocating for a 'peace agreement' to conclude the war 'and not a mere ceasefire.'

The Russian Foreign Ministry reportedly disapproved of NATO troops being deployed in Ukraine as part of security guarantees, according to a leading US newspaper.

While NATO members have supplied weapons and training for Ukraine, they have hesitated to send troops to the country, which is not a NATO member.

Following their meeting last Friday, Trump softened his stance towards Putin, expressing support for Putin's desire to end the war instead of merely agreeing to a ceasefire.

Trump also moderated his previous warnings of 'severe consequences' should Putin refuse to end the war, stating to Fox News that he no longer believes sanctions are necessary.

Trump's meeting with Zelensky follows an earlier Oval Office encounter that escalated into a shouting match between the Ukrainian leader, Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance, who accused him of being ungrateful for US support and 'disrespectful' towards Trump.