In a high-stakes meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump discussed diplomatic ways to end the war, with European leaders joining in to push for peace.
Washington DC [US], August 19: The White House became the stage for crucial diplomacy on Monday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump to discuss possible ways to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy, visibly emotional, reiterated his country’s urgent need for peace and support. “We need to stop the war. We need to stop Russia and we need support from American and European partners. We support President Trump’s idea to stop the war diplomatically and are ready for a trilateral meeting. I think it’s a good idea,” he said.
The proposed trilateral meeting would bring together Trump, Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin—a bold step that could potentially change the trajectory of the conflict.
When asked whether Ukraine or Russia currently held the “better cards,” Trump sidestepped, saying, “This isn’t my war. It’s Joe Biden’s war. He had a lot to do with this happening, and we want it to end. The people of Ukraine have suffered incredibly. The war’s going to end—and when, I can’t tell you.”
Trump, who claimed to have ended six wars during his presidency—a claim disputed by historians—expressed confidence in a peaceful solution. “I thought this would be the easiest one, but it’s not. It’s a tough one. But I believe it will end,” he remarked.
He also cited conflicts across the world, from India-Pakistan tensions to prolonged wars in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing his past role in international negotiations and efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The meeting was further strengthened by the presence of European leaders—UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz—who joined in to underscore Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Trump hailed their involvement as a sign of “everlasting peace.”
Adding a personal dimension, Trump revealed that First Lady Melania Trump had written a heartfelt letter to Vladimir Putin. Concerned about the war’s toll on children, she urged an end to the violence. Trump lightheartedly joked, “She has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including me! But she loves children and hates to see something like this happening.”
Melania’s emotional appeal, according to Trump, resonated strongly with Putin. “She sees the heartbreak, the parents, the funerals—you see them on television. We want to see something other than funerals. She felt it was a beautiful letter, and it was very well received.”
While the path to peace remains uncertain, Monday’s meeting highlighted a rare moment of unity—Zelenskyy’s hope, Trump’s diplomacy, and Europe’s collective push—for a resolution to one of the most devastating wars of the 21st century.