US President Donald Trump is set to hold a working lunch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, according to a senior White House official who spoke to Reuters.
The meeting marks a key diplomatic moment as Washington’s focus returns to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Renewed Diplomatic Push
The two leaders reportedly spoke over the weekend ahead of the meeting. Zelenskyy has been pushing for greater access to advanced US-made weapons, including long-range missile systems and air defence technologies, to help Ukraine repel escalating Russian assaults.
US Balancing Act
Trump’s approach to the war has drawn global attention since he returned to office earlier this year. While his administration insists it supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, questions remain about the extent of future US aid.
Some officials have hinted that the White House is seeking a negotiated settlement rather than an indefinite supply of military funding.
Zelenskyy’s Urgent Agenda
Ukraine’s president continues to lobby Western allies for sustained backing as the war nears its third year.
Kyiv’s forces are struggling to contain renewed Russian offensives in the east and south, with local officials warning of mounting civilian casualties.
Ukrainian diplomats say Zelenskyy hopes the Washington meeting will yield fresh security guarantees and a clearer roadmap for future cooperation.
European Involvement
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Trump in Cairo on Monday, said he plans to discuss “joint efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Merz wrote: “Today is proof that when the international community stands together, peace can be achieved.”
Strategic Significance
The upcoming meeting could define the direction of Western unity over the coming months. European leaders have been increasingly divided on how to balance continued support for Ukraine with growing domestic pressures over energy costs and defence spending.
Calls for Peace Talks
Trump has previously claimed he could broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine “within 24 hours” if both sides were willing to negotiate — a statement met with scepticism in Kyiv.
Still, US diplomats say the Friday lunch will focus on “realistic steps” toward a ceasefire while maintaining Ukraine’s independence and international support.
Humanitarian Concerns
Beyond military aid, humanitarian agencies are urging Washington and its allies to step up relief funding for millions of displaced Ukrainians. The UN estimates more than 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the war began in February 2022.
Global Eyes on Washington
Friday’s talks come at a sensitive time for both leaders. Trump faces pressure to show he can handle foreign crises decisively, while Zelenskyy must demonstrate that Ukraine still commands Western trust and resources.
Diplomatic observers say any outcome from the lunch could shape the next phase of US–Ukraine relations and influence how the war evolves into 2026.
M10News Foreign Desk | Contact: international@m10news.com
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