Yesterday, the White House became the focal point as Donald Trump welcomed several European leaders. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Last week, Trump held a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin for three hours. Although no agreement was reached for a ceasefire, Trump later claimed they had made significant “progress.”
On this occasion, the meeting featured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a key figure amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. Zelenskyy was accompanied by notable European leaders, including the United Kingdom’s Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron.
This coalition of EU leaders engaged in a comprehensive roundtable discussion with Trump, addressing numerous topics related to the war. There is growing concern among observers that Trump might be inclined to offer too many concessions to Putin in an attempt to clinch a deal, something he claimed he could achieve swiftly during his campaign trail.
The presence of such prominent leaders underscored a show of solidarity with Zelenskyy. Ukraine’s stance is firm: they do not wish to surrender any significant territory to Russia, deeming Putin’s current proposals unacceptable.
HOT MIC: Trump tells Macron, "I think he (Putin) wants to make a deal for me."
— Lincoln Square (@LincolnSquareHQ) August 19, 2025
No, Donald. The only thing Putin wants to do is to use you like the useful idiot you are. pic.twitter.com/ydzgwY2dIe
Despite the challenges, Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator, remains optimistic about reaching a potential agreement.
A recent incident involving a hot mic drew attention during this meeting. CBS News recorded Trump making a remark: “I think he wants to make a deal for me, as crazy as it sounds.”
The “he” in this context is presumed to refer to Putin.
Nevertheless, the summit concluded on a positive note, contrasting with Zelenskyy’s prior visit to the Oval Office.
Keir Starmer, speaking afterward, noted substantial “real progress” had been made. “There was a genuine sense of unity among the European leaders, alongside presidents Trump and Zelenskyy,” he emphasized.
Starmer also hinted at two vital outcomes: an anticipated agreement involving both President Putin and Zelenskyy, following a critical phone conversation with Trump during the meeting.
“A bilateral agreement between President Putin and President Zelenskyy will now transpire,” detailed Starmer. “This will be followed by a trilateral meeting that will include President Trump.”
He further clarified that certain key issues, such as territorial disputes, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian concerns like the return of children, need Ukraine’s direct involvement at the negotiating table.
“Today’s most crucial outcomes are substantial and positive. The session revealed a genuine sense of solidarity and significant advancement,” he concluded warmly.
