Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House on August 18, 2025, to meet U.S. President Donald Trump following the failed Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin. The talks aim to push for a comprehensive peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, amid ongoing tensions, European involvement, and continued Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy to Meet Trump on 18th Aug at White House
Washington, D.C., August 16, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, August 18, 2025, to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in a high-stakes effort to push forward negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The visit comes just days after Trump’s closely watched summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which failed to deliver a ceasefire agreement.
Context of the Visit
Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting in an official statement, writing: “On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war.”
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. This aligns with Trump’s post-Alaska stance that, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” signaling both leaders are seeking a broader settlement to the conflict, now entering its third year.
Zelenskyy was notably not invited to the Alaska summit, where Trump and Putin engaged in direct talks without Ukrainian representation. This exclusion drew attention globally, fueling debate about Ukraine’s role in shaping the peace process and whether Moscow benefited diplomatically from the one-on-one format.
Tense Backdrop Between Trump and Zelenskyy
The upcoming Oval Office meeting carries added weight because of the leaders’ contentious history. During a February 28, 2025, meeting, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance openly criticized Zelenskyy for what they described as a lack of gratitude toward U.S. support. That exchange highlighted underlying strains in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship—tensions that could resurface during Monday’s discussions.
Observers note that Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy’s tone in past meetings could influence the tenor of their upcoming dialogue, particularly as Ukraine seeks firm commitments from Washington on both diplomacy and security.
The Alaska Summit’s Fallout
The Alaska summit on August 15, 2025, was widely viewed as a diplomatic stage for Putin, even though no ceasefire deal was reached. Trump reiterated his position that peace talks must result in a binding agreement rather than incremental steps.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, voiced disappointment that the summit excluded Kyiv. Analysts suggested that Putin scored a symbolic victory by appearing at the table with Trump while offering no concessions on the battlefield.
White House Announcement
The White House officially confirmed Zelenskyy’s visit, quoting Trump: “President Zelenskyy will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin.”
This framing casts Zelenskyy’s visit as part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at securing a comprehensive peace settlement that could eventually bring all three leaders together at one table.
Diplomatic Hopes and Skepticism
The announcement generated a wave of mixed reactions. Some see the visit as an encouraging step toward diplomacy, with hopes that it could pave the way for a trilateral summit involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, as well as key European powers. Zelenskyy himself has stressed the importance of involving European leaders to secure “reliable security guarantees.”
Others, however, remain skeptical. Critics argue that given Putin’s refusal to commit to halting the invasion, the White House meeting may achieve little beyond political symbolism. The Alaska summit’s failure is frequently cited as evidence of the difficulty of pressuring Moscow into concessions.
European Involvement
Zelenskyy has consistently urged for greater European participation in negotiations, underscoring that any peace deal must include strong international security guarantees to prevent future aggression. European leaders have echoed this sentiment, with Macron and Starmer signaling readiness to join a trilateral or multilateral format to bolster Ukraine’s position.
War Continues on the Ground
Even as diplomacy intensifies, the war grinds on. Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that it intercepted 61 of 85 Russian drones launched overnight, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict. The continued barrage of attacks highlights the urgency behind Zelenskyy’s Washington visit, as Ukraine seeks stronger backing against Russia’s escalating campaign.
What’s Next
Zelenskyy’s Oval Office visit will be closely watched worldwide. While the Alaska summit underscored the difficulty of achieving immediate progress, Monday’s talks could serve as a turning point in shaping the next phase of negotiations.
The outcome will not only determine U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic relations but could also set the stage for potential direct talks between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin—a format that many believe is essential for any lasting peace agreement.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements as of August 16, 2025. The situation remains fluid, and developments may change rapidly. Readers are advised to follow official government announcements and trusted news sources for the latest updates.