On Monday, August 18th, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky held a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House. Trump stated that if Ukraine and Russia sign a peace agreement, the United States will assist in safeguarding Ukraine’s security.
Trump’s support for providing strong security guarantees for Ukraine is undoubtedly good news for Kyiv.
When asked by the media if the United States is prepared to deploy troops after the war to ensure Ukraine’s security, Trump replied that European countries will form the “first line of defense” for Ukraine, with the United States also participating.
At the same time, Trump stated that the United States will do its best to ensure that the peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine can be long-lasting, although he did not provide more details.
“We will give them very good protection, very good security guarantees. This is part of it,” Trump said.
The President reiterated his hope to hold a trilateral summit between himself, Putin, and Zelensky following this meeting. As of now, Russia has not expressed its stance on this idea, and Trump stated that he is not sure if the summit will take place.
Speaking of Putin, Trump said that Putin is looking forward to Trump’s call after the meeting with the US and Ukrainian leaders.
Trump and Putin held a historic summit in Alaska last week. Following the summit, he announced that it is now “up to President Zelensky to decide” whether an agreement is reached. However, Putin’s strong insistence on significant territorial concessions from Ukraine seems to make the prospects of a breakthrough uncertain in the near future.
On Monday, seven European leaders arrived at the White House before Zelensky. After the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, they will join these European leaders for a larger summit. All seven leaders are strong supporters of Ukraine.
The security guarantees for Ukraine and potential territorial concessions were key points of discussion in the multiple rounds of talks at the White House on Monday.
When asked if Ukraine is prepared to cede territory in exchange for peace, Zelensky did not give a direct response. When asked what security guarantees Ukraine needs to reach an agreement, he stated that Ukraine needs all “everything” in terms of security guarantees.
He mentioned that Ukraine firstly needs a strong military, including weapons, personnel, training, and intelligence.
He also added that this will depend on “great powers” such as the United States and other allies.
Before the meeting with Trump, Zelensky posted that while he and other world leaders “all strongly want to quickly and reliably end this war,” Ukraine will not cede territory to Russia.
Trump posted on the social media platform “Truth Social” on Sunday, saying that if the Ukrainian leader is willing, it is “almost possible to end the war with Russia immediately,” adding the condition that Crimea “cannot be taken back” and that “Ukraine will not join NATO.”
In the Oval Office on Monday, when discussing the prospects of a peace agreement, Trump said, “I understand (Zelensky), I understand myself, and I believe Putin wants to end all of this.”