Zelensky met with Trump in the U.S.: the main statements by the presidents ahead of closed-door talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the residence of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Footage of the two leaders’ meeting has been published by media outlets and political Telegram channels.

Zelensky confirmed that today’s meeting with the Americans will discuss the issue of territorial concessions within the framework of the U.S. peace plan.

Trump added that Ukraine would receive major economic benefits from the agreement. According to the U.S. president, he has not set any hard deadlines for ending the Russia–Ukraine war, but it will be a “strong agreement.”

Trump also said that “they all” (Kyiv and Moscow — Ed.) want it done; “they both” (Putin and Zelensky — Ed.) want to make a deal.

During a brief interview, a journalist asked Trump: “Do Russia’s recent massive strikes on Ukraine indicate that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is not taking the talks seriously?”

“No, he’s taking it very seriously. I think Ukraine has also carried out strong strikes, and I don’t view that negatively—maybe they needed to,” Trump replied.

The U.S. president added that “loud explosions” had recently been heard in Russia and, in his words, “it likely came from Ukraine.”

Trump also made several other statements:

• “We are at the final stage of negotiations. This will either stop, or it will go on for a very long time, and millions will die.”

• “A settlement of the war in Ukraine could happen ‘very quickly.’”

• “Nobody even knows what exactly will be written into the security agreement. But there will be a security agreement—and it will be a strong agreement.”

In addition, the U.S. president announced that after meeting with Zelensky he would hold a call with European leaders.

Earlier, he said he would also call Putin, with whom he spoke for more than an hour the previous day.

Meanwhile, a video has appeared from Trump’s residence, where delegations from Ukraine and the United States are holding talks.

Trump suggested that journalists “go get something to eat,” because the meeting would be closed.

On the U.S. side, those present include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steven Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also present.

While speaking with Trump, Zelensky said this was his first visit to the Mar-a-Lago residence.

Trump responded that it is a place “very well-suited for making deals.”

As a reminder, before meeting Zelensky, Trump called Putin and reported a “productive conversation” with the Russian president.