Can an unprecedented meeting bring peace to Ukraine?

Channel 4

a day ago

By Anushka Asthana
I wasn't due to start my new role as US Editor of Channel 4 News for a few weeks.
But in Trump World – nothing seems to go to plan. Luckily, I'd picked up my new White House security pass early, so I was able to hit the ground running for what turned out to be a pretty momentous day. As I wandered down Pebble Beach – the area where journalists line up to report on American presidents – seasoned US reporters described the events as unprecedented and historic.
By then five European leaders, the president of the European Commission and secretary general of Nato had arrived to accompany the embattled Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with Donald Trump after he sat down with President Putin.
The stakes could not have been higher, nor the pressure on Zelenskyy,
as all sides sought to avoid a repeat of February's stomach-churning meeting.
Officials familiar with the preparations told me that the Americans were determined to be 'business-like' this time round
, with Vice President JD Vance – who clashed with Zelenskyy last time round at the White House – notably quiet. Zelenskyy, too, spoke little as Trump stole the floor, boasting to journalists about his triumphs in securing world peace and law and order in Washington DC.
The Ukrainian president knew that it was imperative to maintain a positive tone. In fact, that was why the Europeans were there. As one source familiar with discussions said to me: 'We need to help Zelenskyy keep his cool, keep his calm. Remind him that he is here to listen, that he doesn't have to argue the toss in the moment.'
Cue Zelenskyy's effusive gratitude, after being previously berated for failing to say thank you (despite doing just that).
In what was an extraordinary series of events – many on camera – including a large part of the wider meeting with all the European leaders – all sides achieved their aim of an amicable mood. But what about the substance?
After the sessions drew to a close I saw our Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he headed back to his flight home. He seemed buoyed by the meetings, but the challenges on the two big issues remain huge.
Many were cheered by the prospect of US involvement in a security guarantee. But noises of a European peacekeeping force were quickly snubbed by Russia today, which said Nato boots on the ground in Ukraine would be unacceptable. So would Putin really stomach the suggested solution?
And as for territory – the Russian president wants more, and Trump is now clear that Zelenskyy will have to concede land for an agreement.
I asked Keir Starmer whether he thought President Zelenskyy does accept the principle that the price of peace will involve surrendering land?
'All matters of territory are a question for President Zelenskyy,' he told me. 'That's a very clear principle that I have held that everybody recognises. It's very important to read into the developments today on bilateral and trilateral meetings – that it is a recognition – that Ukraine must be at the table, and ultimately it is a decision for Ukraine.'
Russia expert, Professor Mark Galleotti, argued to me that on some points Trump was articulating an uncomfortable truth: that Nato membership is not currently realistic for Ukraine, and that land already taken militarily by Russia is unlikely to be won back.
But Putin wants even more – including the rest of Donetsk, something that Ukrainians would strongly oppose.
So how could Zelenskky accept that?
Galleotti admitted the challenge remains tough. But he also argued this was the most positive moves since the war began in 2022. 'I'm optimistic about the possibility of becoming optimistic,' he said.
Suggesting a huge day at the White House represented progress, but the path to peace remains long and winding.
This article was first posted on Substack. Subscribe to Channel 4 News.