As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Washington for crucial talks, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his “respect” for the Ukrainian leader, marking a shift in his recent rhetoric towards Ukraine’s wartime leadership. The meeting, set to take place at the White House on Friday, comes amid growing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump’s Changing Tone on Zelensky
Speaking to reporters following his meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump addressed his upcoming discussions with Zelensky, predicting a “very good meeting.”
This stands in contrast to his previous remarks, where he had blamed Zelensky for the ongoing war and suggested that the conflict could have been avoided through earlier negotiations.
When asked by a BBC journalist if he still considered Zelensky a “dictator”—a term he had reportedly used in the past—Trump appeared to distance himself from the comment. “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” he responded, before praising Zelensky’s leadership and calling him “very brave.”
This rhetorical shift comes after the Trump administration held high-level talks with Moscow earlier this week, a move that surprised Western allies and raised questions about U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Diplomatic Efforts for Peace
Trump and Starmer’s meeting also focused on diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. The British prime minister has indicated the UK’s willingness to send troops to Ukraine as part of a post-war peacekeeping mission, but only if the U.S. provides a “backstop.”
Asked whether the U.S. would assist British peacekeepers in the event of a Russian attack, Trump responded with characteristic ambiguity. “The British have incredible soldiers, incredible military, and they can take care of themselves. But if they need help, I’ll always be with the British, okay?” he said, without making a direct commitment.
NATO’s Article 5, which obligates members to come to the defense of an ally under attack, remains a crucial element in discussions surrounding future peacekeeping operations.
U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal and Security Guarantees
One of the key issues on the agenda for Zelensky’s White House visit is the signing of a deal that grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral resources. These materials, essential for modern technology and defense industries, are seen as a strategic asset that could deepen economic ties between Washington and Kyiv.
Trump suggested that increased American economic presence in Ukraine could serve as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. “It’s a backstop, you could say. I don’t think anybody’s going to play around if we’re there with a lot of workers and having to do with rare earths and other things which we need for our country,” he stated.
However, Zelensky is expected to push for more concrete security guarantees. While Trump acknowledged that he was “open to many things,” he emphasized that securing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine remained his priority before committing to any security arrangements.
European Concerns and Kremlin’s Response
As Trump and Zelensky prepare for talks, European allies have expressed concerns over the direction of U.S. policy towards Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that any peace agreement must include European and Ukrainian input to be effective. “For any peace agreement to function, it needs the Europeans as well as Ukrainians on board,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Russia has firmly rejected the idea of territorial concessions in any potential peace deal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance that all territories currently under Russian control—including Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—are “an integral part of our country, Russia. This is an absolutely indisputable fact and a non-negotiable fact.”
In a parallel diplomatic move, Russian and U.S. officials held discussions in Istanbul on Thursday, signaling tentative efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties. The two nations expelled each other’s diplomats during Joe Biden’s administration, further straining relations.
Zelensky’s Stop in Ireland and Strategic Positioning
Before arriving in Washington, Zelensky made a brief stop in Ireland, where he met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at Shannon Airport.
The Ukrainian leader stated that their discussions focused on “steps to end the war with guaranteed peace for Ukraine and the whole of Europe.”
With the conflict now in its fourth year, the humanitarian and military toll continues to mount. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed or displaced, and millions of Ukrainians have fled the country.
As Zelensky prepares to meet Trump, the outcome of their discussions could have profound implications for Ukraine’s future and the broader geopolitical balance in Europe
Trump’s meeting with Zelensky comes at a critical juncture. While the U.S. president has signaled a willingness to engage in negotiations, questions remain about the specifics of his approach to peace talks, security guarantees, and economic partnerships with Ukraine.
For Zelensky, securing continued Western support—both militarily and economically—is essential for Ukraine’s survival and sovereignty. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the world will be watching closely to see whether Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine translates into tangible commitments or merely rhetorical shifts.
