Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky executed a strategic diplomatic approach to secure President Donald Trump’s support for ending the war in Ukraine, culminating in plans for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Daily Mail even went as far as to describe Zelensky’s actions as a “masterstroke” to win over the U.S. president.
Trump announced the potential summit following a 40-minute phone call with Putin after hosting European leaders and Zelensky at the White House on Monday.
The meeting marked a dramatic turnaround from the contentious February encounter that ended with Trump asking Zelensky to leave the Oval Office.
Zelensky arrived at the White House with a concrete proposal: Ukraine would purchase $100 billion in American weapons as part of efforts toward peace.
The Ukrainian leader framed the offer as an investment in American manufacturing and jobs while strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
European allies pledged to help finance the weapons deal, according to the Financial Times.
The arrangement includes a separate $50 billion agreement between Washington and Kyiv to assist Ukrainian companies in drone production.
Trump assured Zelensky that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine’s security in any peace agreement, though specific details remain undetermined.
“When it comes to security, there’s going to be a lot of help,” Trump told reporters, noting European countries would participate as Ukraine’s “first line of defense.”
The president declined three separate opportunities to rule out deploying American troops, though military assistance would more likely involve air support rather than ground forces.
Zelensky characterized Trump’s security commitment as “a major step forward” and said guarantees would be formalized within the next week to 10 days, per Daily Mail reporting.
Zelensky’s approach differed significantly from his previous White House visit.
The Ukrainian leader wore a business suit instead of his typical military attire, acknowledging criticism from journalist Brian Glenn, who had previously criticized his wardrobe choices.
European leaders including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron coached Zelensky before his meeting with Trump, according to the Times.
Their preparation appeared effective as Zelensky thanked Trump approximately 11 times during a five-minute public address.
“Thanks so much, Mr President. If I can, first of all, thank you for the invitation, and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts, to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you,” Zelensky said during their Oval Office appearance.
The Ukrainian leader presented Trump with a letter from his wife, Olena, addressed to First Lady Melania Trump regarding abducted Ukrainian children.
Trump praised the gesture and complimented his wife’s dedication to children’s welfare.
Glenn, who had previously criticized Zelensky’s appearance, offered an apology during Monday’s meeting.
“President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn observed.
When Zelensky noted Glenn wore the same outfit as their previous encounter, the exchange drew laughter from assembled reporters.
Trump expressed satisfaction with his Putin phone call, describing himself as “very happy” and promoting plans for the historic meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. However, the Daily Mail reported Putin has not committed to participating in peace talks, raising concerns about his willingness to engage in diplomatic solutions.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized the Trump-Putin conversation as “frank” and “fairly constructive,” confirming discussions about elevating the level of Moscow and Kyiv representatives in future talks.
The measured response suggested cautious Russian interest rather than enthusiastic commitment.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed skepticism about Putin’s reliability in peace negotiations.
“Putin is rarely to be trusted. So now it remains to be seen whether he has the courage to come to this type of meeting,” Stubb stated after leaving the White House discussions.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Trump’s optimism while questioning Putin’s commitment to peace.
“When I look at the situation and the facts, I don’t see President Putin very willing to get peace now,” Macron told NBC News, though he welcomed Trump’s confidence in securing an agreement.
Trump announced plans for a trilateral meeting following the Putin-Zelensky summit.
“After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the discussions as representing significant progress toward peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated Trump and Putin agreed to meet “within the next two weeks,” though no specific date has been established.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with both Russia and Ukraine on arrangements.
The post Zelensky’s ‘Masterstroke’ to Manipulate Trump, Avoid Another White House Showdown Revealed as U.S. Prez Brokers Historic Summit After Ukraine Offers $100B Weapons Deal appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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