4:58Russia President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Aug. 19, 2025, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, Aug. 18, 2025 and President Donald Trump in Washington, Aug. 19, 2025.EPA/Shutterstock
With the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s recent swift diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, focus now shifts to the next steps in peace discussions.
Trump expressed optimism during a Monday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, shortly after his Alaska summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"I believe President Putin is willing to pursue peace. President Zelenskyy also seeks peace. The question remains whether they can find common ground,” Trump remarked.
The U.S. president vowed to assist European allies in offering security assurances for Ukraine and mentioned initiating plans for direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin.
However, Russia has dismissed some of these proposals. Moscow has yet to confirm Putin’s participation in talks with Zelenskyy and insists on being involved in security discussions.
Several pressing questions remain unresolved.
Will a Putin-Zelenskyy summit or trilateral meeting occur?
President Trump initially advocated for a three-way discussion involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and himself before suggesting a one-on-one meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
When questioned about this adjustment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained to ABC News that a bilateral meeting must precede any trilateral engagement due to ongoing disputes between Russia and Ukraine.
Leavitt also mentioned Putin “assured” a future meeting with Zelenskyy, though the Kremlin has not officially verified this.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a joint press conference with President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, has tempered expectations of an imminent leaders’ summit.
"We are open to any format," Lavrov stated at a Moscow press briefing. "Yet for high-level discussions, thorough groundwork is essential to prevent exacerbating tensions rather than concluding negotiations we are prepared to continue."
Lavrov noted that Putin suggested elevating negotiation levels with Ukraine during a call with Trump.
When pressed on a potential Budapest meeting location, the White House deferred details, while reserving trilateral talks for potential follow-ups.
Trump, on Fox & Friends, acknowledged uncertainty around Putin’s willingness to negotiate.
"I sense Putin may be weary of this. Everyone appears exhausted. Yet outcomes remain unpredictable," he said.
President Donald J Trump attends a Multilateral Meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025.Aaron Schwartz/EPA/Shutterstock
What form might security guarantees take?
Trump pledged substantial protections for Ukraine, noting Putin’s conditional acceptance—a priority for Zelenskyy in peace terms.
European attendees at the White House pushed for NATO-like defense assurances, though Ukraine’s full membership remains contested by Russia and Trump.
Trump dismissed deploying U.S. ground troops, proposing instead aerial support and European-led security coordination.
The White House confirmed a security framework is being drafted to facilitate lasting peace.
NATO defense officials convened virtually to deliberate Ukraine’s security needs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, August 19, 2025.Evan Vucci/AP
Russia condemned exclusion from security talks, asserting its non-negotiable interests.
Lavrov dismissed European leaders’ proposals as lacking substance and accused them of escalating tensions.
He urged involving all UN Security Council permanent members, including Russia and China.
Are territorial disputes a roadblock?
Trump raised potential land exchanges based on current conflict lines, though Russia’s concessions for retaining Ukrainian territory remain unclear.
NATO chief Mark Rutte confirmed territory swaps were absent from Monday’s discussions, deferring to future Ukraine-Russia talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President Donald Trump and European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025.Ukrainian Press Service/AFP via Getty Images
Russia’s ambitions in resource-rich Donbas clash with Zelenskyy’s constitutional commitment to territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy maintains that Ukraine alone must decide on territorial compromises, rejecting external impositions.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
