President Donald J. Trump hosted a high-stakes diplomatic summit at the White House this week, bringing together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top European leaders in a renewed effort to end the war in Ukraine. The gathering marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, with global leaders crediting Trump’s intervention for breaking a yearslong stalemate.
In a series of public remarks, heads of state expressed optimism about the shift toward dialogue:
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the meeting “very good,” noting that sensitive issues were addressed candidly.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump for “breaking the deadlock” with Russia and initiating meaningful talks.
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb said recent progress outpaced the last three and a half years of stalled diplomacy.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the summit as a turning point, citing signs of openness from Moscow.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the day “historic,” acknowledging Trump’s role in advancing peace efforts.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that “the path is open” for complex negotiations.
- French President Emmanuel Macron supported the trilateral format, calling it “the only way to fix it.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted recent NATO and trade milestones, urging unity in ending the violence.
The summit signals a strategic shift in U.S. diplomacy, with Trump positioning American leadership at the center of efforts to broker a lasting peace in Eastern Europe.