WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his Monday, August 18, 2025, meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders as a pivotal moment in the quest to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling it the “best of our meetings.” Speaking at a press conference in Lafayette Park across from the White House, Zelenskyy highlighted the discussions’ depth and the unified front displayed by the U.S. and Europe, according to Reuters.
“I would like to thank President Trump for this meeting. It was the best of our meetings — and that is important,” Zelenskyy told reporters, noting the long and detailed conversation that covered battlefield updates and peace strategies. “Today was an important step — a demonstration of true unity between Europe and the United States,” he added, emphasizing that the presence of leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored global support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy detailed using maps to clarify the extent of Russian-occupied territories, even debating percentages with American counterparts to ensure accuracy. “I was even able to show many things on the map to all of our American colleagues,” he noted, per Reuters. Security guarantees emerged as a central focus, with Zelenskyy stressing their role as “the starting point for ending the war.” He expressed optimism about U.S. commitment, saying, “It is important that the United States of America is sending a clear signal that they will be among the countries that will help, coordinate, and also participate in providing security guarantees.”
The summit followed Trump’s Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which yielded no ceasefire. Posts on X, like those from @LiveSquawk echoed Zelenskyy’s call for robust security measures. As a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting looms, the focus remains on forging a lasting peace.
Source: Reuters
