President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky to the White House amid discussions on a rare earth material deal and potential resolutions for the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump noted Zelensky’s formal attire, signaling a friendly atmosphere. UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer expressed confidence in upcoming peace talks and readiness for military involvement if necessary. He emphasized collaboration with European leaders for lasting peace. French President Emmanuel Macron, who also visited the White House, warned that peace should not come at the cost of Ukrainian sovereignty. Trump agreed on the urgency of ending the conflict, aligning with Macron’s views.
Washington DC:
President Donald Trump of the United States welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington DC on Friday.
This visit occurs as the US is negotiating a rare earth materials deal with Ukraine, with the President actively discussing potential resolutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and engaging in talks with various Western leaders about it.
“Oh look, you are all dressed up today!” President Trump remarked as he greeted his Ukrainian counterpart.
Wow!!! ЁЯШВЁЯШВЁЯШВ
Trump: тАЬYou’re all dressed up today.тАЭ pic.twitter.com/zDTX1OQs4p
тАФ Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) February 28, 2025
During his visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, Prime Minister Kier Starmer expressed that Trump believes progress is being made towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, with a potential agreement expected “either fairly soon or not at all.”
In his initial trip to Washington DC as Prime Minister, Starmer indicated that the UK is prepared to deploy “boots on the ground” to aid in achieving peace.
“I am collaborating closely with other European leaders on this matter, and I am unequivocal that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working alongside our allies, because that is the only way peace will endure,” Starmer stated.
Trump mentioned that his intention to sign a rare earth minerals agreement with Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday is “really going to get us into that country,” suggesting a more favorable stance towards the Ukrainian President.
Before Zelensky’s visit, French President Emmanuel Macron had also met with Trump at the White House amid rising doubts about the war’s resolution.
During their meeting, Macron reiterated their mutual commitment to fostering peace, but cautioned that it should not come at the cost of Ukraine’s surrender.
“This peace must not signify Ukraine’s surrender. It must not equate to a ceasefire without guarantees. This peace must uphold Ukrainian sovereignty and enable Ukraine to engage with other stakeholders,” he stated.
Trump acknowledged that he believes Macron shares his views on “many of the most significant issues,” including the sentiment that now is the appropriate moment to bring the war to an end.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been altered by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)