Today at 15:39
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump have started bilateral negotiations in the Oval Office, focusing on the Russian war in Ukraine and possible ways to end it.
At the start, Zelenskyy presented a letter of thanks from Olena Zelenska to Melania Trump. Earlier reports noted that the U.S. First Lady had delivered a letter to Putin regarding kidnapped Ukrainian children.
Trump stated that if progress is made today, the parties could agree on a trilateral meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s readiness for such trilateral talks.
Zelenskyy also confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to hold elections after active hostilities end, stressing that “security conditions” are necessary. Trump joked that if the U.S. were at war, there would be no elections either.
Trump emphasized his commitment to a full peace settlement, rather than a ceasefire that “after two years would turn back into chaos.” He noted other conflicts he “resolved” ended without a ceasefire.
The U.S. intends to discuss security guarantees as part of a peace agreement.
Regarding the possible deployment of American troops to Ukraine, Trump said: “We will let you know, possibly later today… We will be involved.”
“If we go back much earlier, even before President Putin’s time, it was always stated that they would never allow Ukraine into NATO. So that statement was made.” Trump said.
Trump is waiting for a call from Putin after the conclusion of the meeting.
Read also: Zelenskyy After Meeting with Kellogg: Trump Has the Power to Force Russia into Peace
