The two meetings held in the United States in August - first between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and then between the American President and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington - mark a new stage in attempts to find a political solution to the war in Ukraine. Although specific agreements are still lacking, the outlines of the future negotiation process are beginning to become clearer.
Readiness for a meeting, but no guarantees
The main result of the two meetings is the very possibility of direct talks between Putin and Zelensky. In the last three years, the Kremlin has categorically rejected such a prospect, and now, in the words of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the fact that Moscow is even talking about a meeting is already a "significant achievement". However, there is still no confirmed agreement for a meeting - the Kremlin is leaving room for maneuver through the term "raising the level of representatives". This could mean both the possible appearance of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Putin himself. Moscow is playing for time to maintain control over the form.
From "ceasefire" to "peace agreement"
A noticeable change has also been made in Trump's position. Initially, he shared the European and Ukrainian line that a ceasefire is a mandatory condition. But after the meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Trump accepted the Kremlin's argument that the ceasefire could be used by Kiev to strengthen the front.
Now the American president is talking about a "quick peace agreement", which could be achieved even during active hostilities. Zelensky also softened his position, saying that the meeting with Moscow should take place "without conditions" in order to pave the way for a solution. This shows that both sides are ready to enter into dialogue, even if the price is the abandonment of preliminary requirements.
Security guarantees - a new architecture, but without clear content
In Washington, Trump publicly acknowledged for the first time that Ukraine would receive security guarantees. They would be provided by European countries in coordination with the United States. But the specifics are lacking: what exactly these guarantees mean - a military umbrella, the exchange of intelligence information, the deployment of air defense systems or permanent supplies of weapons - has yet to be decided. Zelensky insisted on "everything", and according to Bloomberg, the projects are aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian army without restrictions on numbers and with the prospect of multinational forces. This comes into direct conflict with the Kremlin's demands: no Western troops in Ukraine and limiting the Ukrainian army.
The economic side: "aid for contracts"
Trump is clear: free military aid to Ukraine is ending, Europe must bear the brunt. But Kiev is already looking for a new formula: according to the Financial Times, Zelensky has proposed purchasing US weapons for $100 billion in exchange for security guarantees. The package includes ten Patriot systems and a deal to produce drones for $50 billion. This would turn American aid into a business model - an investment in the US arms industry and simultaneously in Ukrainian defense capabilities.
The territorial issue - the most painful point
The most sensitive part remains the future of the territories. According to Bloomberg sources, Russia is ready to retain control over parts of the Donetsk region, but to give up Zaporizhia and Kherson, which it does not actually control entirely. Zelensky has publicly rejected any territorial concessions, but signals from NATO and the United States are more flexible: a scenario is allowed in which Kiev does not legally recognize the occupation, but de facto reconciles with it. Trump emphasized that a conversation about territories can only be held between Putin and Zelensky, thereby allaying fears in Kiev that Ukraine's fate could be decided behind its back.
Europe - both cautious and supportive
The reactions of European leaders show a mixture of alarm and support. Germany insists on a ceasefire as a precondition, France warns against trusting Putin, and Britain and Italy demonstrate closer coordination with Trump. Despite the differences, the Europeans have aligned themselves in a common line - support for Washington's initiative, but also firmness in defending Ukrainian positions. The very fact that they arrived in person for the meeting with Zelensky at the White House was a symbol of European solidarity.
Zelensky - a lesson in tactics at the White House
Zelensky's second visit to Trump was markedly different from the previous one, when the Ukrainian president was accused of "ingratitude". This time, he demonstrated an adaptation to the American leader's style: he arrived in a suit, received praise for his appearance, expressed gratitude 16 times during the briefing, and handed over a personal letter from his wife to the US first lady. It was a diplomatic game by Trump's rules - loyalty and respect in exchange for favors.
The process begins, but the outcome is far away
The two meetings outlined the framework for future negotiations: a possible Putin-Zelensky meeting, a new architecture of security guarantees, a rejection of the idea of an immediate ceasefire, and a difficult conversation about territories. Europe remains in a delicate role - between solidarity with Ukraine and the realism imposed by the US and Russia. Zelensky is showing a willingness to make tactical compromises, but the risks for Kiev are enormous - any agreement involving territorial concessions could trigger an internal political storm.
Nevertheless, for the first time in years, it seems that direct dialogue between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine is on the table. The very opening of this possibility is already a change in the dynamics of the war. But whether it will lead to real peace or just another postponement of the conflict depends on the next meetings and on the readiness of the parties to turn tactical moves into a strategic decision.