Did Zelensky Really Have a 'Very Good Conversation' with Trump?

Washington, Aug 19 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that he had a “very good conversation” with US President Donald Trump in anticipation of their multilateral gathering with other European leaders.

Zelensky expressed optimism about his discussions with Trump, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine.

“I believe we had a very productive dialogue with President Trump, and hopefully, our next conversation will be even better,” Zelensky stated during an extended meeting with European leaders.

“We addressed some very sensitive matters.”

The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of establishing a truce to facilitate a democratic, transparent, and lawful election process in Ukraine.

Trump hosted Zelensky for approximately one hour at the White House on Monday, intensifying efforts to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia under terms satisfactory to both parties.

Upon arrival, Trump welcomed Zelensky with a warm smile and handshake, a notable contrast to the tense atmosphere of their previous meeting in February.

Having recently concluded a summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump invited Zelensky to address key issues regarding Ukraine’s security and the status of territories occupied by Russian forces in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Trump mentioned that Putin “acknowledged that Russia would consent to security guarantees for Ukraine, which is a crucial factor we need to contemplate, alongside the distribution of responsibilities,” ahead of discussions with European leaders.

“I anticipate European nations will shoulder a significant part of the burden. We’re here to assist them in ensuring security,” Trump added.

Several European leaders were present at the White House alongside Zelensky and Trump, striving to achieve a breakthrough in the prolonged conflict, which Trump cautioned could escalate into a potential world war if unresolved.

When asked about the possibility of US troops aiding in securing a peace agreement, Trump did not dismiss the idea.

Putin has insisted on retaining about 20% of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian control as a prerequisite for ending the war. Conversely, Zelensky stated that Ukraine's constitution prohibits any land concessions.

Before their private meeting, Trump and Zelensky addressed the press in the Oval Office.

Trump asserted that he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement, despite acknowledging the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“This is not the end of the journey,” Trump remarked. “Lives are at stake, and we aim to halt that. I believe there’s a real opportunity to achieve peace.”

Zelensky, dressed in formal attire for this occasion, sat to Trump’s right—a departure from his usual wartime clothing, which Trump noted positively. (During Zelensky’s previous visit, a reporter inquired why he wasn’t wearing a suit.)

When a reporter queried whether he would consider altering Ukraine's borders to expedite peace, Zelensky refrained from a direct response.

“We must stop this war,” he stated. “To do so, we require support from our American and European allies.”

Trump expressed his intention to contact Putin after concluding negotiations with Zelensky and other European leaders. Depending on the outcome of their discussions, he hopes to organize a trilateral summit with himself, Putin, and Zelensky—a meeting that hasn’t occurred since the onset of the war.

“Numerous lives were lost last week,” Trump remarked, adding, “I believe President Zelensky, myself, and Vladimir Putin all wish to see this conflict resolved.”

Trump had a busy afternoon scheduled, meeting with Zelensky and European officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump and the Ukrainian President proceeded directly to another session with European leaders.

“I believe we will reach consensus on almost everything today, particularly regarding security,” Trump stated before the meeting commenced.

Europe plays a pivotal role in any agreement between the conflicting parties. To avert future Russian aggression, European nations are essential in any security assurances Ukraine seeks as part of a peace settlement.

However, when asked about deploying American forces to Ukraine to help uphold a peace agreement, Trump did not categorically rule out the possibility.

“We will collaborate with Ukraine, engage with everyone, and ensure that if peace is achieved, it remains sustainable in the long term,” he asserted.

With cameras present, the atmosphere was significantly more amicable than during Zelensky’s previous visit. In that February encounter, Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Zelensky for not demonstrating sufficient gratitude toward the President. This time, Vance remained silent.

During the last meeting, Trump infamously told Zelensky that he held no “cards” and that Ukraine was “in big trouble.”

“You’re risking World War III, and your actions are quite disrespectful to the nation that supports you,” Trump admonished Zelensky back then.

The previous meeting was ultimately cut short.

When a reporter asked Trump who currently holds the better “cards,” he responded, “I prefer not to say.”

Trump has recently intensified his involvement in seeking an end to the conflict. He met privately with Putin at a military base in Anchorage on Friday to revive peace discussions.

Trump and Putin walked down a red carpet together before a nearly three-hour private meeting.

While he had initially aimed for a ceasefire, Trump left the summit without achieving this and shifted his focus toward securing a comprehensive “peace agreement.”

In a post on Truth Social Sunday night, Trump seemed to place the responsibility for concluding the war on Zelensky.

Trump stated that Ukraine must relinquish Russian-annexed Crimea and abandon aspirations of joining NATO—demands made by Putin.

“President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately if he desires, or he can choose to continue fighting,” Trump wrote.

Zelensky, however, took a different stance. In a post on X late Sunday, he asserted that “Russia must end this war, which it initiated.”

The discussions on Monday provided a platform for leaders to deliberate future security assurances for Ukraine, which US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested could be modeled after NATO’s Article 5.

A challenge for Zelensky remains persuading Trump that Russia should relinquish the territory it acquired through force.

In the lead-up to the Alaska summit, Trump claimed that resolving the war would necessitate “some territorial exchanges.”

Zelensky swiftly dismissed this notion, stating that “Ukrainians will not surrender their land to the occupier.”