The scene was acquainted—U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sitting within the Oval Workplace, with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sofa to Trump’s left. However in contrast to the final time this explicit scene unfolded, there was no shouting match and even just a few moments of levity.
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
The scene was acquainted—U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sitting within the Oval Workplace, with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sofa to Trump’s left. However in contrast to the final time this explicit scene unfolded, there was no shouting match and even just a few moments of levity.
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
Much less fireworks
Zelensky headed off one explicit flashpoint from February’s assembly even earlier than a phrase was mentioned, by carrying a swimsuit this time. He even had a good-natured trade with Brian Glenn, a correspondent with right-wing information outlet Actual America’s Voice whose question concerning the Ukrainian chief’s extra informal apparel again in February additional stoked an already contentious argument. “You look fabulous in that swimsuit,” Glenn quipped on Monday, earlier than apologizing to Zelensky for his earlier assault. “You might be in the identical swimsuit,” Zelensky shot again, to laughter from Trump and others within the room.
Zelensky additionally thanked Trump for his continued help on a number of cases, blunting the opposite notorious assault by Vance that kick-started their disagreement over the past assembly.
Trump additionally gave the impression to be in a extra gracious temper this time round. “We’re going to have a gathering. I believe if every thing works out nicely in the present day, we’re going to have a trilat,” he mentioned, referring to a proposed trilateral assembly with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “And I believe there might be an affordable probability of ending the conflict once we do this.”
U.S. troops in Ukraine?
One other signal of how far Trump has shifted on his earlier help for Ukraine got here in response to a number of questions from the press gaggle on whether or not he would ship in U.S. troops to make sure Ukraine’s safety as a part of a remaining peace deal. In a probably encouraging signal for Ukraine, he didn’t rule it out.
“In relation to safety, there’s going to be plenty of assist. It’s going to be good,” Trump mentioned, referring to the European nations whose leaders he was scheduled to meet with afterward Monday. “They’re the primary line of protection as a result of they’re there,” he added, “however we’re going to assist them out additionally. We’ll be concerned.”
Stop-fire prospects
Forward of his assembly with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump had threatened “extreme penalties” if the Russian president didn’t conform to a cease-fire, however Trump softened his stance proper after the assembly and known as as a substitute for the 2 sides to work towards a remaining peace settlement.
He reiterated that new stance on Monday: “I don’t suppose you want a cease-fire.”
“I just like the idea of a cease-fire for one purpose: since you’d cease killing folks instantly, versus in two weeks or one week or no matter it takes,” Trump added, “however we are able to work a deal the place we’re engaged on a peace deal whereas they’re preventing. They need to battle. I want they may cease, I’d like them to cease, however strategically, that could possibly be a drawback for one aspect or the opposite.”
Subsequent steps
Trump repeatedly talked about the European leaders who traveled to Washington and can be part of the 2 males for wider talks afterward Monday. “We’re going to be assembly with an incredible consultant group—seven very highly effective, very massive nations and nice folks—all buddies of mine and buddies of yours,” he mentioned, gesturing to Zelensky. “We’re going to have some ideas made. They need to see peace.”
As for Putin? Trump mentioned he spoke to the Russian president “not directly” earlier than sitting down with Zelensky. “He’s anticipating my name once we’re completed with this assembly,” the U.S. president added.
This publish is a part of FP’s ongoing protection of the Trump administration. Observe alongside here.
