Divya Delhi: Trump proposed a one-on-one meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, followed by a three-way meeting with himself. He claimed this will happen “when, not if,” despite Putin's historical resistance to such negotiations.August 18, 2025, was a milestone in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations. Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a coalition of European leaders at the White House for a vital summit on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The summit saw important breakthroughs, including truce talks and a letter from Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska to Melania Trump. Key lessons from this crucial meeting.

1. Ceasefire to Peace Deal
President Trump prioritized negotiating a sustainable peace accord over a rapid ceasefire. This reflects Putin's Alaska summit position, but European leaders including Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron insisted that fighting must end before deeper discussions.

2. Proposed Trilateral Meeting
Trump said he would orchestrate a Zelenskyy–Putin meeting and a three-way summit. He said “when, not if.” However, EU leaders offered a four-way model to secure EU representation at the table.

3. Ukraine Security Guarantees
The conference pledged to give Ukraine substantial security guarantees, presumably based after NATO's Article 5. Zelenskyy said a $90 billion U.S. arms and drone agreement will be finalized in 7–10 days.

4. Territory Integrity
The controversial land-for-peace swap proposal by Trump was rejected. Zelenskyy reminded attendees that Ukraine's constitution bars land cession. Leaders like UK PM Keir Starmer underlined their support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.

5. Deferred NATO membership
Zelenskyy wanted NATO membership accelerated, but partners just reaffirmed their membership without a deadline. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said membership talks will begin following a peace settlement.

6. Displaying European Unity
This conference, unlike the Alaska summit, included France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Finland, and EU and NATO chiefs, demonstrating Europe's commitment to peace efforts.

7. Air quality improved
It was a far cry from the chilly February White House meeting. Zelenskyy's formal approach and his wife's letter to Melania Trump made the conversation more friendly.

8. Energy and Economy Support
The EU promised a €10 billion recovery fund to boost economic aid. The meeting committed to energy diversification through U.S. LNG imports and renewable investments to minimize Russian gas dependence.

9. Helping Others
A renewed Red Cross-mediated prisoner-of-war exchange sought to release thousands on both sides. Leaders called it a trust-building step toward reconciliation.