As President Donald J. Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders at the White House, discussions focused on advancing efforts toward ending the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting was marked by remarks from several international leaders crediting recent progress to Trump's involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, “I think that we had a very good conversation with President Trump… it was really good. We spoke about very sensitive points.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed appreciation for the renewed dialogue: “I really want to thank you, President of the United States, dear Donald, for the fact that you, as I said before, broke the deadlock basically with President Putin by starting the dialogue … From there, here we are today.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted changes in diplomatic momentum: “I think in the past two weeks, we’ve probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three-and-a-half years.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni observed a shift in Russia’s willingness to engage: “It is an important day — a new phase — after three years that we didn’t see any kind of sign from the Russian side that they were willing for dialogue, so something is changing — something has changed — thanks to you.”
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked on the significance of current developments: “I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years in relation to a conflict which has gone on for three-and-a-bit years, and so far, nobody has been able to bring it to this point — so I thank you for that.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted opportunities ahead: “This is extremely helpful that we are meeting and hearing that the two of you are having such a good meeting today … The path is open. You opened it last Friday — but now the way is open for complicated negotiations.”
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized collaboration: “Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting and for your commitment… everybody around this table is in favor of peace… this is why the idea of a trilateral meeting is very important because this is the only way to fix it.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen referenced broader cooperation and outcomes from recent summits: “We had a fantastic NATO Summit… We had the largest trade deal ever — agreed. And now, we are here to work together with you on a… lasting peace for Ukraine. Stop the killing. This is really our common interest.”
