Krasnov is Russia's man.
Trump, Zelensky and Europeans meet, but no firm agreement on wars end
Several of the leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Merz, tried to frame their goals as Trumps own, portraying an immediate ceasefire and robust U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine as ideas endorsed by the White House. Trump, however, appeared to reject a ceasefire and was vague about what he would offer Ukraine to bolster its defense as part of any deal. Instead, he portrayed Putin as someone who is eager to halt the fighting.
I dont think theres any issue thats overly complex. Its at a point now where people want to do things, I really do believe, Trump said. Ive known [Putin] for a long time. Ive always had a great relationship with him. I think that President Putin wants to find an answer, too.
President Donald Trump pledged U.S. support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 18 in Washington, D.C. (Video: The Washington Post, Photo: Tom Brenner/The Washington Post)
Trump at one point paused the East Room meeting and left the European leaders to speak for 40 minutes by phone to Putin, according to one person familiar with the talks, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly about the sensitive closed-door conversations.
Washington Post