On August 18th, Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the White House for a meeting with US President Trump. Trump expressed the possibility of arranging a trilateral meeting between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine to end the conflict in Ukraine and stated that he would provide help in the security field to Ukraine. Zelensky thanked the United States and Europe for their weapons and financial support, emphasizing that Ukraine needs all security guarantees. Many European leaders accompanied him to seek to safeguard European interests and show a united front. The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, and other countries expressed their support for Ukraine and planned to continue to pressure Russia.
According to news reports, on August 18th local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived at the White House, where he was greeted by US President Trump. Subsequently, the two sides held bilateral talks in the Oval Office of the White House, with Vice President Pence and other US officials in attendance.
According to Xinhua News Agency, foreign media analysis pointed out that unlike Zelensky’s visit to the United States in February, this visit to the White House had a “large accompanying” group. Europe was concerned about a repeat of the争吵 scene between the US and Ukrainian leaders from half a year ago, and sent at least seven leaders to the United States together. Europe had made every effort to achieve effective communication with the United States, with personnel who could both speak and be assertive, clearly intending to effectively convey Europe’s position and voice and safeguard its own interests.
Trump stated during his meeting with Zelensky that if everything goes smoothly, a trilateral meeting between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine will be held. The US side may arrange for a trilateral meeting, and if successful, it is expected to end the conflict in Ukraine. He said that the conflict would end but could not inform when it would end. He expressed his intention to work with Russia and Ukraine and provide substantial assistance in the security field.
There was indirect communication between the two sides, and after the meeting, they hoped to end the conflict. The United States will work with Ukraine and other parties to ensure peace and sustainability. It was stated that while Ukraine is at war with Russia, efforts can be made to reach a peace agreement. It was also said that a ceasefire agreement was not necessary. “We can also fight while negotiating,” he said.
According to CCTV International News, on August 18th local time (early this morning, August 19th, Beijing time), when meeting with Zelensky, it was stated that the current US support for Ukraine was no longer “gifting” weapons but “selling” weapons. The previous government provided over 300 billion dollars to Ukraine, which was considered a “corrupt act.”
Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the opportunity for Ukraine to purchase weapons from the United States and thanked Europe and NATO for providing funds, which are not only necessary for the war but also for security and military reconstruction.
He stated that the military equipment made in the United States is “undoubtedly the best in the world,” and that the Patriot air defense system is a “completely reliable system,” with a success rate of up to 99% or even 100% like “two bullets hitting each other in the air.”
When asked about what security guarantees he hopes the United States can provide, Zelensky said “all of them are needed.” He explained that, firstly, Ukraine needs a strong army, including weapons, personnel, training, and intelligence; secondly, Ukraine will discuss strategic security guarantees with countries such as the United States, which are crucial.
He then stated that many European leaders are in the adjacent room, who are very willing to provide security protection to Ukraine, and the United States will also assist.
When asked if Ukraine is ready to hold elections, Zelensky expressed that he is open to elections but they must be conducted under safe conditions.
This is Zelensky’s second visit to the White House after February 28th. His last visit was not smooth sailing as he had a heated argument with officials including Pence and Vance.
European power leaders seek a “united front”. According to Xinhua News Agency, US media speculate that European leaders including France will show a strong front, striving to safeguard European interests. To coordinate the positions of Europe and Ukraine, Britain and France have taken the lead in establishing a “volunteer alliance” aimed at supporting Ukraine.
After participating in a video conference of the “volunteer alliance” on the 17th, a European official told the media that negotiations on territorial issues cannot be conducted without Ukraine’s participation, and negotiations on European security cannot be conducted without Europe’s participation. The purpose of this visit is to safeguard European interests and demonstrate a “unified front between Europe and Ukraine,” as the future of the Ukraine issue is closely related to building a new European security architecture.
He also revealed that European leaders will ask at their meeting on the 18th about the extent to which the United States will participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine.
According to US political news website Axios, European countries have taken a “very tough stance” on Russia-related issues. Von Der Leyen has also advocated continuing pressure on Russia, stating that issues related to Ukraine “must be decided by Ukraine.” She stated at a meeting in Brussels on the 17th that Europe will firmly support Ukraine until a fair and lasting peace is achieved. Europe will continue to pressure Russia diplomatically and economically, and it is expected to introduce its 19th round of sanctions against Russia in early September.
She said that any issues involving Ukrainian territory must be decided by Ukraine, and Ukraine must sit at the negotiating table.
German Chancellor Merz stated on social media on the 17th that he will go to Washington to “exchange views with the United States on the status of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial issues, and further support for Ukraine.” Merz told the media on the 16th that he believed this time “would not humiliate” Zelensky. He also believed that a meeting between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine would take place.
After the meeting between US and Russian leaders in Alaska, British Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement on the 16th, stating that negotiations had made progress, but “the next step must be further negotiations with Ukrainian President Zelensky.” He also called for more sanctions on Russia.