Zelenskyy Meets Trump at White House, Seeks Security Assurances/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, seeking security assurances against future Russian aggression. While both leaders discussed a landmark economic agreement to help rebuild Ukraine, Zelenskyy pressed for long-term security commitments—something Trump remained noncommittal about. The meeting comes as Ukraine continues to battle Russian advances, and amid concerns that Trump’s approach to peace talks could favor Russia. European allies remain skeptical about Trump’s strategy, while Zelenskyy hopes to secure vital US backing for Ukraine’s future.
Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy and Trump meet at White House to discuss Ukraine’s future.
- Trump remains vague on security guarantees, suggesting Europe should take the lead.
- US-Ukraine economic deal expected, granting American companies access to Ukraine’s resources.
- Zelenskyy calls Putin a “terrorist,” insists on “no compromises with a killer”.
- European allies worry Trump’s peace efforts could favor Russia.
- Trump says Ukraine “could forget about” joining NATO.
Zelenskyy Meets Trump at White House, Seeks Security Assurances
Deep Look: Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting and Its Implications
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House Friday for a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump, marking a critical moment in US-Ukraine relations. As Ukraine fights off Russian advances, Zelenskyy is pushing for security assurances from Washington—something Trump has been reluctant to offer.
The Economic Deal: A Step Toward Reconstruction
The centerpiece of the meeting was a major economic agreement that would:
- Establish a co-owned, jointly managed investment fund between the US and Ukraine.
- Give Ukraine access to US financial support for reconstruction.
- Allow US companies to tap into Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and energy resources.
Trump touted the deal as a win for both countries, emphasizing US access to key resources.
“It is a big commitment from the United States,” Trump said. “We want to stop the killing and focus on rebuilding.”
Zelenskyy, however, pressed for security guarantees—something not explicitly included in the agreement.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine’s Security
When asked whether the US would offer long-term security guarantees, Trump avoided a clear answer.
“I’m not going to make security guarantees … very much,” Trump told reporters. “We’re going to have Europe do that.”
Trump also dismissed the idea of Ukraine joining NATO, saying the country “could forget about” membership in the alliance.
European Allies Push for Security Guarantees
The meeting follows visits from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, both of whom urged Trump to commit to Ukraine’s defense.
- Britain and France have proposed sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, but lack a solid framework to do so.
- US officials doubt that European nations can muster enough forces to make an impact.
- European leaders fear Trump’s approach could favor Russia, especially after his administration held private talks with Moscow in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine present.
“You’ve created a moment of tremendous opportunity to reach a historic peace deal,” Starmer told Trump. “But we have to get it right.”
Zelenskyy’s Warning: No Deals With a Killer
During the Oval Office meeting, Zelenskyy did not hold back in condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Even during war, there are rules,” Zelenskyy said. “No compromises with a killer.”
His remarks reflect growing concerns in Kyiv that Trump may negotiate a deal that benefits Russia, rather than ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability.
Trump’s Controversial Approach to Peace Talks
The meeting comes amid controversy over Trump’s recent outreach to Moscow:
- Trump held a phone call with Putin, breaking from previous US policy.
- The US met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine or European allies present.
- Trump falsely suggested Ukraine started the war, adding to concerns about his willingness to support Kyiv.
His recent comments labeling Zelenskyy a “dictator” for postponing elections have further strained relations.
What’s Next for US-Ukraine Relations?
- Trump is expected to sign the US-Ukraine economic agreement soon.
- Security guarantees remain uncertain, with Zelenskyy continuing to push for clarity.
- Ukraine hopes European allies will step up, as Trump redirects responsibility.
- The Biden administration’s previous support for Ukraine is now in question, with Trump charting a different course.
While the meeting offered some economic hope, Ukraine’s larger security concerns remain unresolved—leaving Zelenskyy’s fight for US backing far from over.
