Will US Vice President Vance Join Trump's Meeting with Zelensky?

Washington, Aug 17 (NationPress) The Vice President of the United States, J.D. Vance, is set to participate in a meeting on Monday in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a media source.

During Zelensky's last visit to the Oval Office in February, Vance had expressed his discontent, questioning the Ukrainian leader's appreciation for U.S. support, asking, "Have you said thank you once?"

In May, however, Vance met with Zelensky alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Italy. Although reporters were not allowed at that meeting, Vance later shared a smiling photo with Zelensky.

On Monday, Zelensky will engage with Trump at the White House, following Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

During his flight home from the meeting with Putin, Trump communicated with Zelensky and European leaders. He noted, "It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," sharing this on Truth Social early Saturday morning.

Trump also stated, "President Zelensky will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin."

Zelensky has shown interest in a trilateral meeting involving the three leaders, indicating this in a post on social platform X, where he acknowledged Trump's brief about his discussion with Putin.

"It is significant that America's strength plays a role in the evolving situation," Zelensky remarked.

The Ukrainian President continued, "On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss all details regarding ending the killing and the war. I am thankful for the invitation."

Trump recently met with Putin in Alaska to deliberate on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, occurring over three years after Russian forces invaded the Eastern European nation.

While Trump claimed that progress was made during their talks, he revealed that no ceasefire agreement was reached, offering limited specifics on their discussions.

Previously, Trump noted that Friday's summit in Alaska was paving the way for a possible follow-up meeting involving Zelensky, emphasizing that Ukraine must be included in any final territorial decisions.

This upcoming meeting will mark Zelensky's first visit to Washington since the notable Oval Office exchange earlier this year, where Trump and Vice President Vance criticized the Ukrainian leader for not showing gratitude for U.S. assistance.

In recent weeks, Trump has voiced increasing irritation with Putin regarding ongoing assaults on Ukrainian cities, warning of severe consequences if a resolution is not reached soon, although he described their relationship as "fantastic" on Friday.