Washington: US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders for discussions on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Although officials described the Monday talks as making ‘progress,’ a peace deal or ceasefire remains elusive.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the discussions at the White House were preceded by a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. This earlier meeting also failed to produce an agreement on a ceasefire. Trump emphasized the preference for an immediate ceasefire while working towards lasting peace but acknowledged that such an agreement is not yet forthcoming.

During the summit, Trump reassured Zelensky of American support as part of any future security guarantees for Ukraine, though specific commitments were not outlined. Trump has initiated preparations for potential talks between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, which would be followed by a meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky.

European leaders have confirmed Putin’s willingness to engage in face-to-face talks with Zelensky, though Russia has not officially confirmed a meeting. Zelensky expressed readiness for discussions with Russia in any format, despite Putin’s previous reluctance for a one-on-one meeting.

The multilateral summit with Zelensky and European leaders was characterized by Trump as an ‘important preliminary move’ towards resolving the nearly four-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky, quoted by The Guardian, described the meeting as a major step forward, anticipating that security guarantees for Ukraine might be worked out within 10 days.

Reports suggest Ukraine will commit to purchasing $100 billion in US weapons, financed by Europe, as part of securing American guarantees if a peace settlement with Russia is reached. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the Monday talks as ‘good and constructive,’ pointing to progress on security guarantees and the planned Putin-Zelensky meeting as significant outcomes.

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the US’s commitment to developing security guarantees for Ukraine as the most important result of the discussions. Macron also called for increased sanctions against Russia should Putin fail to advance peace efforts with Ukraine.