Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House after a day of high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, saying discussions had secured more time for Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. The meeting contrasted sharply with a tense February encounter, as both leaders sought to present a cooperative image. Behind closed doors, negotiations focused on U.S.-led security guarantees for Ukraine and the prospects of a direct meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Trump possibly joining if Moscow agrees.

Security Guarantees And Weapons Deals

At a press conference outside the White House, Zelensky said that security guarantees could serve as the “starting point for ending war.” He mentioned discussions of a $90bn arms package with Washington, including aviation and anti-missile systems, while declining to disclose all the details. Zelensky also noted that the U.S. would purchase Ukrainian-made drones to support Ukraine’s defense industry, with a deal possibly finalized within ten days. No formal agreements were announced, but the talks signaled a continued exchange on military and economic cooperation.

Possible Meeting With Putin

Zelensky told reporters he was ready to meet Putin face-to-face, with Trump joining if Moscow accepted. He underlined that Ukraine “will never stop on the way to peace,” though no date for such a meeting was set. The Ukrainian leader also showed Trump a map of occupied areas, arguing Russia had captured less than 1% of Ukraine’s territory in the last 1,000 days, pushing back on Oval Office maps that overstated Russian gains. Despite speculation over territorial concessions, leaders avoided the issue in public. Zelensky described the talks with Trump as “warm,” and officials indicated the outcomes allowed both sides to maintain the current status quo.