Washington Summit Advances Ukraine Peace Efforts, Global Markets Watch Cautiously

[Washington, Aug. 19, 2025] — U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House on August 18, with discussions centered on advancing a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump indicated that the U.S. and Europe are working on a NATO-style security guarantee agreement, which could be finalized within ten days.

At the same time, the White House released a photo showing Trump speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office. According to U.S. officials, preparations are underway for a potential trilateral meeting involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and EU leaders to foster direct dialogue.

Markets reacted with caution to these developments. Ahead of the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Asian shares remained range-bound while oil prices edged lower. Analysts noted that investor sentiment is being shaped by both monetary policy uncertainty and the outlook for peace efforts in Ukraine.