Zelenskyy’s New Look and Key Highlights from White House Meeting with Trump

European leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., on August 18 for crucial talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seeking ways to end Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The high-level meeting came shortly after Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which failed to deliver a ceasefire agreement. Unlike the tense February Oval Office exchange where Zelenskyy clashed with administration officials, this latest meeting struck a different tone. Trump pledged “a lot of help” for Ukraine, while European leaders expressed gratitude for his role in opening the door to peace talks.

Trump confirmed the U.S. would be “involved” in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security after any peace deal, but avoided details and echoed Putin’s stance that a ceasefire isn’t a precondition for an agreement.

Europe Steps In: “No Easy Solutions”

Top European leaders — including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — joined Zelenskyy at the White House.

While Zelenskyy first met privately with Trump in the Oval Office, the European leaders convened over lunch in the State Dining Room. With so many dignitaries present, the White House opened rarely used spaces like the Red Room and Blue Room.

“There are no easy solutions to Russia’s war in Ukraine,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “But we must explore every possibility to ensure peace and security for our nations.”

Zelenskyy’s New Attire Sparks Attention

One of the most notable moments was Zelenskyy’s change in appearance. Known for his olive-green, military-inspired outfits since the war began in 2022, the Ukrainian leader arrived in a black jacket and collared shirt, still keeping what his designer called a “military key” style.

The subtle shift was seen as symbolic, marking a new phase in talks and signaling readiness for diplomacy, while still reflecting solidarity with his troops at home.

Former NATO commander Admiral James Stavridis even suggested that European leaders show up in olive fatigues as a show of unity — though ultimately, only Zelenskyy kept the military undertone in his attire.