Zelensky and European Leaders Travel To U.S. For Peace Deal Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington, D.C. for crucial negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European heads of state. The high-level talks are aimed at defining the framework of a possible peace agreement with Russia.

The meeting follows the recent Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, which, while failing to secure an immediate ceasefire, produced pledges of stronger security guarantees for Ukraine. However, Trump has made it clear that Ukraine’s claim to Crimea and its aspirations for NATO membership will not be considered as part of the deal.

In Washington, Trump is expected to hold a one-on-one discussion with Zelensky before broader talks with von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland.

This visit marks Zelensky’s first return to Washington since a tense February meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which had strained relations. Ahead of the talks, Zelensky voiced cautious optimism, emphasizing the shared determination among allies to bring the war to a swift and lasting conclusion.