Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, a White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity. The meeting comes as both sides seek to revive negotiations to end the four-year war with Russia.
Zelenskyy said this week he had spoken with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as part of efforts to restart talks. US-led peace efforts have stalled in recent months as Washington shifted its focus to the conflict with Iran. Trump has ruled out negotiations with Tehran while military costs have surged past $37 billion.
A relationship in flux
The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been turbulent. A heated Oval Office clash in February 2025 gave way to warmer ties in recent months. This week, the Ukrainian president met right-wing US influencer and Trump ally Laura Loomer, a sign of improving relations. Loomer, a 33-year-old conservative commentator with millions of social media followers, has recently softened her stance on Ukraine. After meeting Zelenskyy, she posted: "This is everyday for every Ukrainian, I feel like such an a**hole for minimizing the struggle of Ukrainians for the last five years." Trump reposted one of Loomer's posts about the meeting with the caption: "Very good!!"
The meeting is set for the same day as a memorial service in Washington for US Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Ukraine who died earlier this month at age 71. Graham was a key figure in securing US military aid for Kyiv.
For European capitals, the outcome of the Trump-Zelenskyy talks carries significant weight. The EU and its member states have provided billions in aid to Ukraine, but Washington's role remains crucial. Any shift in US policy could reshape the dynamics of the conflict, particularly as Ukraine recently replaced its commander-in-chief amid internal protests.
Meanwhile, disinformation campaigns continue to target Ukraine. A fake Euronews video falsely claimed Zelenskyy's parents were under investigation for corruption, highlighting the information war that accompanies the military one.
The meeting also comes as European leaders watch closely for any signs of a US-Russia deal that might bypass Kyiv. Earlier this year, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed a secret meeting in Baku involving former Russian and German officials discussing Ukraine, underscoring the complex diplomatic landscape.
Zelenskyy has warned of an imminent Russian missile attack within 48 hours, according to intelligence reports. The timing of the Washington meeting could be critical if such an attack materializes, potentially influencing the tone of discussions.
For now, the Ukrainian president's visit to the White House represents a key moment in the effort to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Whether it leads to a breakthrough or further stalemate remains to be seen.
