That's what it's about

• The Ukraine summit in Washington could pave the way for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
• US President Trump plans to bring the two presidents together to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
• Security guarantees for Ukraine are a key issue, with possible assurances similar to NATO Article 5.

While there is no peace in sight yet, for the first time since the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine almost three and a half years ago, a comprehensive negotiation process involving all parties is emerging. US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin spoke directly in Alaska on Friday. This was followed by a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leading European politicians in Washington. What concrete results did this summit achieve—and what remains to be resolved?

That's what it looks like. The US President announced that he has begun preparing for a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents. The time and location are currently unknown. However, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the meeting is scheduled to take place within the next two weeks. This will be followed – according to Trump's plan – by a three-way meeting with him.

Apparently, this plan isn't finalized yet. After a phone call between Trump and Putin, the Kremlin initially didn't mention a presidential-level meeting. While Putin has repeatedly stated that he's willing to meet with Zelensky, he always cited as a condition that fundamental issues must be clarified beforehand. Zelensky, however, reiterated at the White House that he would like to meet Putin and would also like Trump to be there.

What could security guarantees for Ukraine look like?

With so-called security guarantees, states or international organizations can make binding commitments to a country to ensure its protection and safeguard it from external threats. In the case of Ukraine, two variants in particular harbor potential for conflict:

Assurances modeled on Article 5 of the NATO Treaty: This article stipulates that allies can count on the support of their allies in the event of an attack, and that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized in Washington that while Ukraine's full membership in the alliance is not at stake, Article 5-like assurances are still on the table. What they should encompass will now be discussed in detail.

Peacekeeping troops for Ukraine: Rutte, Merz, and even Trump left open what such a force might look like. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of reinsurance troops at sea, in the air, and on the ground that could be provided by Ukraine's allies.

What does Moscow say about this?

After his meeting with Trump in Alaska, Putin also spoke of security guarantees for Ukraine, but did not elaborate on this point. The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated on the day of the talks in Washington that Russia would not accept troops from NATO countries to maintain peace after a ceasefire in Ukraine. Such a scenario threatens escalation and the conflict could become a global confrontation, Moscow said.

Is there a ceasefire or not?

This is completely unclear. The statements of the various actors vary. Trump originally called for an immediate ceasefire for Ukraine. After his meeting with Putin, who signaled no discernible concession on this point, there was no talk of such a thing.