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Zelenskyy leaves DC with head held high and little certainty
20 August 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had his second Oval Office meeting with President Trump this week, following Trump’s summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. By all measures, it was a dramatic reversal from their ill-fated meeting in February.
It is worth remembering that before the presidency, Zelenskyy was a comedian — a fact that is harder to recall the longer the war in Ukraine drags on. In comedic terms, he bombed the February meeting. But like any good performer, he took notes and made specific decisions to do everything he could to turn around his next big gig.
From the details like wearing the suit that received positive reviews at Pope Francis’ funeral to profusely thanking the president, he knew what he needed to do and it made a difference. Seven European leaders travelled to DC at the last-minute as well, but because relations between Zelensky and Trump were markedly improved, instead of damage control, they could focus their efforts on being a proactive “coalition of the willing.”
In terms of practical outcomes, much is unclear. There will indeed be security guarantees for Ukraine, but no US troops on the ground. Despite Zelenskyy’s urging, there is no US push for a ceasefire; instead, the focus is on securing a final deal. And yet, there is little indication that both parties are close to reaching an agreement on the key issues needed to lock in a deal.
Despite President Trump saying the next step would be a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, followed by a possible trilateral involving the United States, Russia has since hedged on that point.
If these efforts stall out, it is uncertain how much longer the United States is willing to be involved in the conflict. In any case, Ukraine and Europe are likely to continue to align and work more closely, regardless of the United States' next moves.
Mari Koeck
Director, Engagement and Impact
Lead photo: US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on 18 August 2025. President Trump hosted President Zelensky for a bilateral meeting and later an expanded meeting with European leaders to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker for Getty Images)
"I’m saying that this is the reality of the war that we’re facing. It’s become attrition in some ways. It’s a meat grinder, and they just have more meat to grind."
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