In front of the cameras, European leaders praised Donald Trump for his"peace-seeking" initiative and his ability to bring Russia to the negotiating table. Trump and Putin's meeting on Friday was criticized in the press as a victory for Putin.

Zelensky, who clashed with Trump the last time he was at the White House, was the one who most thanked the American for organizing the meeting."Thank you for the invitation, and thank you very much for your efforts, your personal efforts to stop the killings and end this war," Zelensky, dressed all in black, said in the Oval Office shortly after being welcomed by Trump to the White House.

After the bilateral meeting between the American and Ukrainian, Zelensky said he had"the best conversation" with Trump so far."We had a very good conversation with President Trump, and it was really the best, or, well, maybe the best it will be in the future," Zelensky said during the extended meeting with European leaders at the White House.

"I think in the last two weeks we've probably made more progress in ending this war than in the last three and a half years," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said.

"The fact that you said 'I'm willing to participate in security guarantees' is a big step, it's truly a breakthrough, and it makes all the difference. So, thank you for that too," NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said.

Trump also praised his guests, albeit less vigorously. He called Starmer"my friend" and said he liked Macron "from day one." He called Merz "very strong" and said,"I want a tan like that." He also praised Stubb's appearance, saying,"You look better than I've seen you before."