VIDEOS: Trump hosts Zelenskyy at White House for Russia-Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on Monday for high-stakes discussions aimed at exploring a possible peace agreement with Russia.

Trump complimented the Ukrainian leader on his “smart black jacket,” referencing criticism Zelenskyy faced earlier this year from right-wing media for not wearing a suit during a February visit.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a long-term resolution to the conflict. “Our main goal is a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe,” he said in a social media post. “We must stop the killing, and I thank the partners who are working to do so and, ultimately, to bring about a lasting and dignified peace.”

Read more: European leaders arrive at White House for Ukraine negotiations

At the White House, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for hosting the talks. “Thank you for (the) invitation and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war,” he said.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO were present at the White House to show support for Ukraine as Trump encouraged Kyiv to make concessions on Crimea and abandon NATO membership aspirations.

The tone of Monday’s meeting was notably calmer than the earlier February visit, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Zelensky for allegedly not showing enough gratitude for US support. Trump even complimented Zelensky on his black jacket, which had drawn criticism from right-wing media during the February visit. "I love it," Trump said as the two leaders shook hands.

While the lighthearted exchange offered a more cordial atmosphere, concerns remained that Trump might lean toward Putin’s positions following the Alaska summit. Zelensky emphasized the need for Western security guarantees, with Trump pledging that the United States would be “involved” in Ukraine’s future security. He declined to confirm whether US troops could be part of those guarantees, saying only, "we'll let you know that maybe later today."

European leaders met with Zelensky earlier in the day, while he also conferred with Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg. Zelensky described the White House discussions as “very serious” and praised Trump using his signature “peace through strength” language: "President Trump has that strength. We have to do everything right to make peace happen."

Calling for “a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe,” Zelensky said the talks would focus on Western security guarantees. Previous reports indicated that Putin might accept such guarantees but remains opposed to Kyiv joining NATO.

Trump has repeatedly echoed Russian positions in recent days, including his view that Ukraine could end the war “almost immediately, if [it] wants to” and that there is “no getting back” Crimea. He also reaffirmed that he does not see a ceasefire as necessary to negotiate an end to the conflict.

- Potential trilateral talks -

Trump indicated that if Monday’s meetings proceed successfully, he may convene a trilateral meeting including Russian President Vladimir Putin with the goal of ending the war.

“We're going to have a meeting. I think if everything works out well today we'll have a trilat and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that,” Trump said.

He added that the United States would provide security guarantees as part of any agreement. “European countries are the first line of defense because they are there, they are Europe, we're going to help them out also. We'll be involved,” Trump said.

On the issue of a ceasefire, Trump reiterated that he does not see it as necessary to end the conflict, echoing his recent alignment with Putin’s stance.

“I don't think you need a ceasefire,” he said. “I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically why one country or the other wouldn't want it. You have a ceasefire and they rebuild and rebuild and rebuild and you know maybe they don't want that.”

Trump also said he plans to speak with Putin by phone following Monday’s discussions. “I just spoke to President Putin indirectly and we're going to have a phone call right after these meetings today,” he said. “We may or may not have a trilat” with him, Zelenskyy, and Putin.