WASHINGTON – United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House this week, where discussions focused on security guarantees, possible ceasefire options, and a long-term peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that Washington and its NATO allies are still weighing how to provide Ukraine with security terms that would not include full NATO membership, something Moscow has opposed for years. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, described the proposed guarantees as “Article 5-like protections,” similar to those enjoyed by NATO members.
During the meeting, Zelensky reiterated that elections in Ukraine cannot take place while the war continues, saying a truce across land, sea, and air would be needed to create conditions for a democratic vote. Trump responded jokingly, asking whether wars should suspend elections in general.
On the question of peace, Trump said he supported the idea of a ceasefire but cautioned that it could give one side an advantage to rebuild. Instead, he called for a broader deal that would end the fighting altogether.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for a NATO initiative that allows European states to purchase U.S. weapons for delivery to Ukraine, stressing that advanced systems such as Patriots are vital for his country’s defense. Trump also welcomed the arrangement, noting it does not involve America directly giving arms to Kyiv but rather selling them through allies.
Away from the policy talks, the meeting also carried a lighter moment when Trump praised Zelensky’s black suit. The Ukrainian leader’s attire had been a subject of debate since his February visit to Washington, when he wore his signature green military sweatshirt. This time, Zelensky joked with a reporter, “I changed, you have not.”
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