Trump and Zelensky Meet for Crunch Peace Talks as Ukraine Leader Vows to End War

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House for crunch peace talks, marking a significant shift in their relationship after a blazing row six months ago. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and jokes, with Zelensky arriving in a smart new suit and Trump complimenting his outfit. The meeting comes as Zelensky has vowed to end the three-year war with Russia, which could lead to a historic trilateral meeting between the US, Russia, and Ukraine. Trump publicly confirmed for the first time that he will underwrite a peace deal and hinted at committing US troops to the region.

Key Takeaways:

Trump and Zelensky exchanged pleasantries and jokes during their meeting, with Zelensky arriving in a new suit and Trump complimenting his outfit.
Zelensky has vowed to end the three-year war with Russia, which could lead to a historic trilateral meeting between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
Trump publicly confirmed for the first time that he will underwrite a peace deal and hinted at committing US troops to the region.
Trump stated that European powers will play a front-and-centre role in policing a future peace, but the US will provide support.
Trump warned Ukraine could never join NATO, despite a 2024 agreement that put the nation on a path to membership being signed by the US.
Trump offered to provide "Nato-like protection" to deter future Russian aggression, but Ukraine would not be a full member of NATO.
The two leaders discussed the possible exchange of territory, with Trump suggesting any Russian land grabs would take into account current front lines.
Zelensky presented Trump with a letter from his wife, written to the First Lady of the United States, thanking Melania Trump for urging Putin to stop slaughtering innocent Ukrainian children.

Statistics:

The three-year war between Ukraine and Russia has lasted for 36 months.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky comes six months after their previous meeting, during which they had a blazing row.
The 2024 agreement that puts Ukraine on a path to NATO membership was signed by the US.
Ukraine has been vying for NATO membership since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.

Sources:

Vedio image caption: Trump greets Zelensky at the White House (courtesy of Getty Images)
Photo caption: NICE THREADS President with smartly-dressed Ukraine leader (courtesy of AP Photo)
Photo caption: LEADERS OF FREE WORLD Zelensky speaks, watched by Starmer, Macron and Trump (courtesy of Reuters)
The article cites no specific sources, but references quotes and statements made by Trump and Zelensky during the meeting.