Zelensky to meet Trump in Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on Monday (August 18), following an invitation extended during a phone call on Saturday (August 16), reports BBC.

Zelensky spoke privately with Trump for about an hour, before European leaders joined the conversation, including NATO representatives. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also participated in part of the discussion. Zelensky described the talks as “long and substantive.”

The meeting comes after Trump’s recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, from which Zelensky was absent.

Donald Trump had earlier indicated that a second meeting could take place and that he might speak with Zelensky if initial talks with Russia went well.

Following his call with Zelensky, Trump also spoke with NATO leaders, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt said. Ukraine confirmed that Zelensky held a “long phone call” with Trump and European leaders, first privately with Trump and then joined by the European officials.

Analysts view the scheduled Washington meeting as part of Ukraine’s efforts to maintain strong relations with Trump following a controversial Oval Office encounter in February.