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Ukraine’s Zelensky meets Trump at White House with support of European leaders | BBC News

2025-08-18 News & Politics
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US and European Leaders Confer on Ukraine Peace and Security Guarantees

Understand key commitments made by the US regarding Ukraine's future security following high-level diplomatic meetings at the White House.

Short Summary

  • President Trump committed the US to involvement in future security guarantees for Ukraine post-peace agreement.
  • European leaders united in Washington to support Ukraine and firmly advocate for a three-way meeting including Russia.
  • The current diplomatic atmosphere was markedly cordial, contrasting sharply with the previous difficult Oval Office encounter. This report details the outcomes, atmosphere, and ongoing diplomatic push involving Western leaders, President Zelensky, and the effort to involve Vladimir Putin in final peace negotiations.

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Description

Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky has been holding talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss hopes of an end to the fighting in his country. It follows last week’s summit between Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Alaska where they failed to agree a ceasefire. President Zelensky was supported in his visit to Washington by European leaders, including the French and German Presidents and the British Prime Minister. The meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky was cordial with none of the acrimony that accompanied their last meeting in the Oval Office earlier this year. President Trump appeared to go further than previously in offering future security guarantees for Ukraine following a peace agreement. He said that Europe would be the "first line of defence" for Ukraine but promised that the US would be "involved” stating “we'll give them good protection”. There was also discussion of a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. The proposal has been advocated previously by the US and Ukrainian leaders but it has not been agreed to by Russia. Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Smith, Katy Watson and Paul Adams. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #BBCNews

Top Comments (10)

@starboy-zg5kn 2025-08-18

JD Vance is not happy

309 42 replies
@hyptrn 2025-08-19

Lasting peace needs commitment not a quick deal

166 19 replies
@ndegemartin.4029 2025-08-19

It is good JD VANCE had to keep a low profile in today's meetings 😊😊 God bless President Zelensky for the standing by his words and Trump for preaching peace ✌️

146 17 replies
@JoanneGJohnson 2025-08-19

“I changed, you have not.” Authentic power.

103 8 replies
@shelso1300 2025-08-19

BBC, thanks for a bit of news that is much better than what is playing over here.

30 1 replies
@BeauDare-ov7py 2025-08-19

Zelensky is quite simply the best there is. Thoughtful, intelligent and pure class. The White House could take a lesson.

13 2 replies
@Atlas1AtLast 2025-08-19

JD is too emotional, takes things to heart. he's probably mad he can't wipe the eyeliner off his eyes.

6 1 replies
@StrayDogsLife 2025-08-21

🙏 The world truly needs peace, not more war. I hope these talks can bring real progress and stop the suffering of innocent people. War only brings pain, fear, and loss — nothing good. It’s encouraging to see leaders meeting and discussing solutions, but words must turn into real action. Please, world leaders, listen to the people — we all want peace, not fighting. 🕊️💙💛

4
@MichaelMunro-hz9qi 2025-08-19

The European lead must of been pissing themselves with laughter, when Trump announced the six wars he stopped, with a model of the plane the Quatar gifted Trump on the table!😁😁😂😂😂😂

4
@GoodlifeInvestor 2025-08-19

It’s great to see Mr. Z is not the shortest at the photo Op!

2

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