Trump plans Zelenskyy-Putin summit, gives U.S. security assurance for Ukraine

Over in the U.S., President Donald Trump is actively pushing for the first direct summit between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Moon Ji-young has more.

U.S. President Donald Trump has begun arrangements for a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the first potential summit since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Following a Monday meeting with Zelenskyy and European partners, President Trump described the discussions as "very good."

He then held a phone call with President Putin, during which he commenced efforts to organize a summit "at a location to be determined."

The White House confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will facilitate the arrangements between the two countries.

During the summit with Zelenskyy, Trump said that the U.S. would be involved in ensuring Ukraine's future security.

"There'll be a lot of, there'll be a lot of help when it comes to security. There's going to be a lot of help. It's going to be good. They are the first line of defense because they're there, they're Europe, But we're going to help them out also. We'll be involved."

These remarks signal a potential shift in Washington's security posture, not ruling out the possibility of U.S. troop deployments.

Trump also reiterated his priority for an immediate peace agreement, rather than a temporary ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia must stop the war, calling for a trilateral meeting between himself, Trump and Putin.

"And we are ready for a trilateral. As the president said, this is good signal about trilateral, I think this is very good."

Zelenskyy added that all the "sensitive issues" including territorial issues would be discussed at the highest level in the trilateral summit.

In response, President Trump expressed confidence that the trilateral summit would take place, calling it a matter of "when, not if."

Trump also suggested that such a summit could bring an end to Russia's three-year invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, European and NATO leaders also attended the White House meeting with President Trump on Monday.

There, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the much needed security for Ukraine would be possible after Monday's meeting.

"A historic step actually could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe."

Unlike the more tense February meeting, Monday's summit between Trump and Zelenskyy unfolded in a friendlier atmosphere.

Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.