Washington — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside global leaders wary of Russia’s ongoing aggression, appears to have embraced U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed terms to resolve the conflict with Russia, according to a correspondent in Washington. The negotiations are now expected to focus on securing “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine, promised by U.S. intermediaries, contingent on ending the war. These guarantees aim to be legally binding and aligned with NATO’s Article 5, which mandates collective defense among alliance members, effectively positioning Ukraine as a de facto NATO member.
Following bilateral discussions with Zelenskyy, Trump met with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to release over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners soon after a planned trilateral summit involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin. “I know there’s over 1,000 prisoners, and I know they’re going to release them. Maybe they’re going to release them very soon, like immediately,” Trump stated.
The talks follow Trump’s one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy, where the focus shifted to achieving a lasting peace. European leaders expressed gratitude for Trump’s diplomatic efforts, with Zelenskyy describing their conversation as “very good.” The proposed security guarantees aim to provide Ukraine with protection against future aggression, a key demand from Kyiv. However, the specifics of these guarantees remain undefined, with discussions ongoing to ensure they are enforceable and meet Ukraine’s strategic needs.
Trump’s push for a swift resolution comes amid his earlier statements urging Zelenskyy to negotiate directly with Putin. The trilateral summit is seen as a critical step toward de-escalation, with the U.S. and European allies emphasizing a unified approach to support Ukraine while navigating Russia’s demands. As negotiations progress, the international community awaits concrete outcomes to end the nearly four-year conflict.
