U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday, joined by a delegation of senior European leaders. The outcome of the talks remains uncertain as diplomacy over the war in Ukraine continues to shift rapidly.
Zelensky, arriving in Washington with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte, entered the White House under strict protocol. According to reports, Zelensky was instructed to appear in formal attire rather than the military-style clothing he has worn for the past three and a half years.
European leaders were said to be attempting to manage Zelensky’s approach, seeking to avoid a repeat of his heated exchange with Trump in February and to influence Trump’s stance on the future of peace talks with Russia. Trump first held a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky, while the European officials waited outside, before later convening a joint session with the full delegation.
During the meeting, Trump displayed maps outlining the current frontlines and Russia’s territorial control, signaling his intention to pressure Zelensky toward territorial concessions as part of a settlement. He also stated he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the discussions.
Later in the day, the Kremlin confirmed that Putin and Trump held a 40-minute phone call, describing it as “frank and constructive,” while reiterating Moscow’s willingness to continue negotiations with Kiev. Reports suggested Trump may have interrupted his meeting with European leaders to take the call, though the White House has not confirmed this.
Zelensky, meanwhile, strongly denied making any concessions to Russia, with sources indicating he rejected such proposals during his talks with Trump. Trump has expressed interest in arranging a direct Zelensky–Putin meeting, potentially as early as Friday, though Putin has previously insisted he would not meet Zelensky without a preliminary framework in place.