Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing for one of the most significant meetings of his presidency as he heads to the Oval Office for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit comes at a decisive moment, with Ukraine seeking both a just resolution to the war with Russia and long-term U.S. security guarantees.
A Delicate Reset with Trump
This meeting marks a chance for Zelenskyy to reset his often turbulent relationship with Trump. Their previous White House encounter ended poorly, with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance publicly criticizing the Ukrainian leader, and Trump accusing him of risking “World War 3.” That episode led to a temporary freeze in military and intelligence support, alarming Kyiv.
Although ties have since recovered somewhat, concerns remain. Trump recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where a military flyover for Putin sparked outrage in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials fear Trump may be drifting closer to Moscow’s narrative.
Support from European Allies
To strengthen his hand, Zelenskyy will not face Trump alone. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are expected to join the talks. Together, they aim to establish a coordinated Western approach to ending the conflict and ensuring Ukraine’s future security.
Security Guarantees and Red Lines
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said that in Alaska, Putin signaled openness to U.S. and allied security guarantees for Ukraine modeled on NATO’s Article 5 commitment. While Zelenskyy welcomed this, he stressed that guarantees must be “practical” and include land, air, and naval protections, with European participation.
However, territorial disputes remain a sticking point. Putin has demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, but Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted that no territory under Kyiv’s control will be ceded. Ukrainian officials say the president may consider compromises along the current frontline but not beyond it.
The Risk of U.S. Withdrawal
The tone of the meeting is as critical as its substance. Ukrainian officials fear that pushing back too strongly against Trump could risk renewed threats of U.S. withdrawal from intelligence and military support. Opposition figures in Kyiv remain skeptical, warning that the terms under discussion may fail to deliver a “sustainable or just peace.”
At the same time, Ukrainian leaders see an opportunity to appeal to Trump’s desire to be viewed as a peacemaker. They argue that strong U.S. guarantees are essential not only for Ukraine’s survival but also to prevent Russia from exploiting eastern Ukraine’s mineral-rich regions — a key element in Kyiv’s partnership with Washington.
A Strategic Turning Point
For Ukraine, the stakes could not be higher. Russian forces continue to advance along the 1,300km frontline, recently pushing closer to the coal-mining town of Dobropillia. Despite Ukrainian countermeasures, the pace of Russian gains has intensified, adding urgency to Zelenskyy’s mission.
Standing alongside EU leaders ahead of the Washington talks, Zelenskyy called for “real negotiations” to begin along the existing frontline, stressing that any settlement must be “fair, swift, and effective.” Critics warn, however, that rewarding Moscow’s aggression could embolden it further.
As one Ukrainian analyst put it, the Oval Office meeting marks the beginning of a “tactical battle” for Trump’s support. The outcome could shape not only Ukraine’s future but also Europe’s security for decades to come.
