US President Donald Trump assured President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of the United States’ commitment to guarantee Ukraine’s security in any potential agreement to end the war with Russia.

The pledge was made during a significant summit at the White House, where Trump hosted Zelenskiy alongside several European allies just days after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

“When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help,” Trump stated, emphasizing the involvement of European nations as a first line of defense.

Zelenskiy welcomed the commitment as “a major step forward,” noting that formal guarantees would be “formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days.” Ukraine is also looking to purchase approximately $90 billion in US weapons.

The atmosphere during this meeting was notably more positive than during a previous Oval Office encounter in February, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskiy publicly.

However, a peace deal still appears distant. Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared that NATO troops would not be deployed to secure a peace agreement, complicating Trump’s offer.

Both leaders expressed hope that the discussions would eventually lead to trilateral talks with Putin, whose forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine.

In a social media post, Trump indicated he had contacted Putin to arrange a meeting between him and Zelenskiy, potentially to take place in Hungary within the next two weeks, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The last direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine occurred in Turkey in June, where Putin declined Zelenskiy’s invitation for a face-to-face meeting, sending a lower-level delegation instead. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding the participation of higher-level representatives from both sides in future negotiations.

European leaders rushed to Washington to support Zelenskiy and urged Trump to insist on a ceasefire before any talks could progress. While Trump previously supported the idea of a ceasefire, he later adopted the Russian stance that any peace agreement should be comprehensive.

Trump expressed a desire for the fighting to stop but acknowledged that a ceasefire could disadvantage one side strategically.

European leaders, including Macron and Merz, reiterated the importance of a ceasefire as a prerequisite for direct talks with Russia, emphasizing the need for European involvement in any peace discussions.

Zelenskiy navigated the meeting more successfully than in February, expressing gratitude multiple times and bringing European leaders to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

The warm reception from Trump marked a departure from previous tensions, with Trump complimenting Zelenskiy’s attire and openly expressing support for Ukraine.

As the conflict continues to escalate, Trump has pushed for a swift resolution, raising concerns among Kyiv and its allies that he may seek to impose terms favorable to Russia.

Both sides face immense pressure, with the war claiming over a million casualties and causing extensive destruction across Ukraine.