London, UK – August 20, 2025
Following a landmark summit at the White House, President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and a high-level delegation of European leaders are set to hold a second meeting, this time in an undisclosed European capital. The upcoming summit is a continuation of the diplomatic efforts that began in Washington, D.C. this week, aimed at securing a peace deal and a lasting security framework for Ukraine.
The decision to hold a second meeting in Europe, as revealed by a French official, is intended to underscore the continent’s central role in the conflict and the security arrangements that will follow. The location has been kept confidential for security reasons and to minimize the risk of external interference, but a neutral country acceptable to all parties, such as Switzerland, has been floated as a possibility.
Headlines from the Second Meeting Agenda
* Firming Up Security Guarantees: The primary focus of the new talks will be to finalize the details of a U.S.-coordinated security guarantee for Ukraine. At the Washington summit, President Trump signaled a willingness to back a European-led security force, but the specifics—including funding, troop commitments, and the nature of the “NATO-like” protection—remain to be worked out.
* Preparing for Trilateral Talks: The European meeting will also serve as a preparatory session for a potential trilateral summit between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Putin has not committed to a meeting, the European leaders want to ensure that Zelenskyy’s red lines and security interests are clearly defined and presented in a united front.
* Broader European Security: French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that the discussions are not just about Ukraine but about “the whole security of the European continent.” The upcoming talks are expected to address the collective security concerns of European nations and how a new security framework would deter future Russian aggression and maintain regional stability.
* Managing Expectations: While the first meeting was hailed as a success in re-establishing a productive dialogue, leaders remain cautious. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the path forward is “more complicated,” and the upcoming meeting will be crucial in demonstrating whether the collective will for peace can translate into a concrete, actionable plan.
The quick scheduling of a second meeting signals the urgency felt by all parties to capitalize on the momentum from the Washington talks. The world’s attention will now turn to this undisclosed European city, as leaders seek to build on a fragile but promising diplomatic effort to end the war and secure a lasting peace.
