Russian invasion Negotiations

Zelenskyj and Trump meet – good atmosphere at press conference

Volodymyr Zelenskyj has arrived at the White House ahead of tonight's meeting with Donald Trump and European leaders. The atmosphere during the press conference is good, unlike the previous visit.

– It is an honor to have Zelenskyj with us, says Trump.

He says that there is a good chance of ending the war, but that he does not believe that the meeting will result in any ceasefire. The US will be "involved" in security guarantees for Ukraine, he adds.

Zelenskyj thanks Trump for his role in the negotiations, and says that he is ready for a trilateral meeting with Putin and Trump. Trump adds that he will call Putin after tonight's meeting.

The Ukrainian president's choice of clothing has been a hot topic ahead of tonight's meeting, as his lack of a suit was heavily criticized during the previous visit to the White House. Tonight he has chosen a black shirt and a black blazer-like jacket. He is praised by a reporter, who says he looks fantastic.

– I said exactly the same thing, says Trump, whereupon laughter erupts in the press room.

Kremlin: Will not accept any NATO presence in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterates the message that any NATO presence in Ukraine is unacceptable for Russia, reports Sky News.

“We once again reiterate our categorical rejection of any scenario in which troops are deployed in Ukraine with the participation of NATO countries,” she writes on Telegram.

This would mean “an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict and unpredictable consequences,” she adds.

In the same statement, she harshly criticizes Britain, accusing it of trying to undermine the negotiations between Moscow and Washington.

Leaders in place at the White House for fateful meeting

The European leaders have arrived at the White House ahead of tonight's meeting on the Ukraine war, US media report. They were welcomed by military personnel and White House chief of protocol Monica Crowley.

At 7 p.m., Swedish time, Donald Trump will receive Volodymyr Zelenskyj. A quarter of an hour later, they will begin a separate meeting in which US Vice President JD Vance will also participate, according to The Hill.

Later, at 9 p.m., a meeting will be held in which all participants will be present.

Keir Starmer (Great Britain), Emmanuel Macron (France), Friedrich Merz (Germany), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Alexander Stubb (Finland), Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission) and Mark Rutte (NATO) are in place.

Tomorrow, all 27 EU member states will be informed of the outcome of the meeting in a digital meeting, according to European Council President António Costa.