Ukraine Conflict: Zelenskyy to Meet Trump in Washington Amid Push for Peace Talks

Ukraine Conflict: Zelenskyy to Meet Trump in Washington Amid Push for Peace Talks. European leaders to join discussions as pressure mounts over Crimea and NATO membership.

Washington, D.C. — August 18, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week, in a high-stakes discussion on the future of the war in Ukraine. The talks come as Trump has signaled that any peace agreement would require Kyiv to abandon claims to Crimea and halt its pursuit of NATO membership — a proposal widely rejected by Kyiv and its allies.

The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. While Kyiv insists on restoring full sovereignty over its internationally recognized borders, Trump’s position aligns more closely with Russian demands.

European leaders including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are also expected in Washington, signaling a united front against concessions that could undermine European security.

The upcoming talks will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. Analysts warn that if Ukraine were pressured into territorial concessions, it could set a dangerous precedent for international law and embolden further aggression.

For Kyiv, the challenge will be to secure continued Western support while resisting compromises that threaten its sovereignty. For Trump, the meeting represents a test of his ability to broker peace without alienating America’s European partners.