"We didn't discuss that issue. Everyone, including President Donald Trump, understands that territory is a matter President Volodymyr Zelensky must address directly within the framework of trilateral dialogue, and likely in subsequent negotiations with President Vladimir Putin," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on 18/8.

The NATO secretary general affirmed the earlier White House meeting between President Trump and European leaders was successful. They agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine must be established before discussing territorial issues. Every nation in the alliance must agree on the meaning of these guarantees.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, D.C. on 18/8. Photo: Reuters

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, D.C. on 18/8. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump and European leaders also agreed on the need for "a strong Ukrainian military, capable of countering any attack, without limitations on troop numbers or equipment."

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Western leaders agreed that President Trump would inform President Putin of the decisions made during the meeting. According to Stubb, one of the meeting's goals was to pave the way for a summit between President Putin and his counterpart Zelensky.

President Trump announced the same day that he had called President Putin to begin arranging a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. A trilateral meeting between the leaders of the US, Russia, and Ukraine will follow the Putin-Zelensky summit.

"We discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be provided by several European countries and coordinated with the US," Trump wrote.

President Trump meets with President Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on 18/8. Photo: AFP

President Trump meets with President Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on 18/8. Photo: AFP

According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Putin agreed to meet Zelensky within the next two weeks, though the location hasn't been determined.

President Zelensky said Russia proposed a bilateral meeting with Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting including the US leader. He discussed a map showing the territories currently controlled by Russia with President Trump.

Zelensky added that Ukraine's allies would detail security guarantees should a peace agreement with Russia be reached. "The plans will be formalized in some way next week or within 10 days," the Ukrainian president said.

Nhu Tam (Reuters, AFP, CNN)