Donald Trump invites Volodymyr Zelensky back to US for first time since explosive row

The Ukrainian leader said that he had a "long and substantive conversation" with President Trump before inviting European leaders to join them.

The call, including about an hour of his bilateral conversation with President Trump, lasted for more than an hour and a half, according to President Zelensky.

He added: "We support President Trump’s proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the USA, and Russia. Ukraine emphasises that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this."

President Zelensky also thanked the US President for the invitation, adding: "It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America."

In February, the two presidents met in Washington to negotiate a possible peace deal between Mr Putin and Ukraine, where the US President told Mr Zelensky he is "gambling with World War 3" and that the Ukrainian leader is "not in a good position right now".

The winter spat was triggered after Mr Zelensky told Trump's Vice President JD Vance that America "does not feel" the consequences of Russia's invasion due to their "nice ocean", but suggested that the nation will "feel it in the future".

Infuriated by the remark, Mr Trump interjected Mr Zelensky and warned him not to "dictate what we are going to feel", declaring that Ukraine "does not have the cards right now".

President Trump said: "We're going to feel very good and we have very strong influence. You're right now not in a very good position, you've allowed yourself to be in a very bad position. You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now with us. You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War Three. You're gambling with World War Three."

President Zelensky's announcement that he will visit the US again comes just hours after a peace deal in Ukraine had failed to be agreed upon following three hours of talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Despite the lack of a deal in place, the US President said that the meeting was "extremely productive" and the pair had "made headway".

The Russian leader concluded the press conference by suggesting the next round of talks could be held in Moscow.

After the meeting was over, Mr Putin warned European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to interfere in the "emerging progress".

He said: “We expect that Kyiv and European capitals will perceive all this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles, will not make attempts to disrupt the emerging progress through provocations and behind-the-scenes intrigues".

The Russian leader also warned that for the war in Ukraine to come to an end, Russia's concerns must be considered.

He said: “The situation in Ukraine has to do with the fundamental threats to our security.

“To consider all legitimate concerns of Russia and to reinstate a just balance of security in Europe and in the world on the whole.

"I would like to hope that the agreement that we’ve reached together will help us bring closer to that goal and will pave the path towards peace in Ukraine."

Despite a firm peace deal not being reached, Mr Trump said that it was "an extremely productive meeting" and "many points were agreed to".

This morning, the Prime Minister joined a call with President Trump, President Zelenskyy, and other European leaders to receive updates on discussions in Alaska last night.

Sir Keir Starmer then joined a second call with President Zelenskyy and European leaders, only before issuing both a joint statement and a message on behalf of the UK.

The Prime Minister said that President Trump's efforts to end the conflict should be "commended".

He added: "In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people."

President Zelensky's statement in full:

President Zelensky wrote on social media: "We had a long and substantive conversation with POTUS. We started with one-on-one talks before inviting European leaders to join us. This call lasted for more than an hour and a half, including about an hour of our bilateral conversation with President Trump.

"Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace. President Trump informed about his meeting with the Russian leader and the main points of their discussion. It is important that America’s strength has an impact on the development of the situation. We support President Trump’s proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the USA, and Russia.

"Ukraine emphasises that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this.

"On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war. I am grateful for the invitation. It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America.

"We also discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security. We continue to coordinate our positions with all partners. I thank everyone who is helping."

Trump's response:

Following the meeting in Alaska, President Trump worte: "A great and very successful day in Alaska! The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late night phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and various European Leaders, including the highly respected Secretary General of NATO.

"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

"President Zelenskyy will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon.

"If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of people’s lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Joint statement by European leaders on Ukraine:

European leaders issued a joint statement following US President Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.

The message was by Prime Minister Starmer, President von der Leyen, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa.

It read: "Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on August 15 2025. Leaders welcomed President Trump's efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia's war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

"As President Trump said ‘there's no deal until there's a deal'. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks, including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.

"We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump's statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees.

"The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.

"Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.

"As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia's war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine's and Europe's vital security interests."