Senior US officials to join Zelenskyy–Trump peace talks at White House

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet today, August 18, at the White House for high-stakes talks widely regarded as pivotal to ongoing international efforts to broker peace in Eastern Europe.

Several senior members of the US administration will be present during the Oval Office meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Those expected to join include Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles. Their participation underscores the strategic importance Washington places on the discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already conducted a preliminary meeting with Keith Kellogg, a senior figure within the Trump administration who is regarded as notably sympathetic toward Ukraine. Kellogg did not participate in the recent US–Russia summit held in Anchorage, Alaska.

Later in the day, a broader diplomatic engagement is anticipated, with European leaders set to join both presidents in Washington for expanded consultations.

The summit follows a recent meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, where the two leaders reportedly exchanged views on a prospective peace framework. Today’s discussions are expected to delve into the detailed terms of that proposed settlement and lay out concrete next steps for advancing a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva