President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday afternoon, August 18th, to discuss a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting follows a summit in Alaska where Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and later spoke with Zelenskyy and NATO leaders. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander Stubb, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer, are also expected to join the discussions. Sources indicate that the primary focus of the upcoming talks will be on security guarantees for Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, representing some of the parties involved, stated that the U.S. is potentially prepared to offer Article 5-style security guarantees to Ukraine, though not through NATO. Witkoff also mentioned that discussions will address land swaps, which are ultimately under Ukrainian control, and that these issues were not discussed during the meeting with Putin. He expressed optimism, stating that "everybody agreed that we had made progress." U.S. Secretary of State Rubio commented on the ongoing negotiations, suggesting that "the only way to end this war is to get the Russians to agree—as well as the Ukrainians—but the Russians to agree to a peace deal." He emphasized that reaching an agreement requires concessions from both sides, stating, "The only way to reach a deal is for each side to get something and each side to give something." Rubio also acknowledged that Russia feels confident, believing it has the upper hand and is making progress without feeling pressure. President Trump previously announced progress on Russia following his Alaska summit, stating, "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!". He also indicated that a peace agreement, rather than a ceasefire, is the preferred outcome to save millions of lives. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed meetings in Brussels with Ursula von der Leyen to coordinate the response to the war and expressed gratitude for Europe's support in achieving a just end to the conflict. He highlighted the necessity of a ceasefire, security guarantees, and continued sanctions pressure on Russia. Reports suggest that potential concessions from Russia include not seizing the entirety of Ukraine, though specific territorial exchanges remain a point of discussion for Monday's meeting. National security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed hope that President Trump would recognize that Russian President Putin is attempting to prolong the conflict. Meanwhile, on the ground, Ukrainian forces reported striking a Russian ammunition depot and personnel in Melitopol, killing at least six Russian marines and a UAV crew, with secondary detonations occurring. Separately, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian military column in the Kursk region overnight August 16-17, reportedly causing severe injuries to Lt. Gen. Abachev.
