With a noticeable change in atmosphere, the meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, took place in conditions diametrically opposed to those of their previous meeting. Unlike the shockingly tense and unfriendly meeting in February, this time the two leaders seemed determined to avoid any confrontation, although the differences in their positions remain.
Visually, the approach of the Ukrainian side was considered down to the last detail. President Zelenskyy, dressed in a suit with a collar, though not of the classic type, received a compliment on his attire personally from his American counterpart. In addition, he repeatedly used the words "thank you", which was undoubtedly met with approval by his host.
Despite the visible rapprochement, Zelenskyy's initial appearance in the Oval Office was marked by restraint. The Ukrainian president spoke little, and perhaps this was intentional. It is possible that he refrained from deeper comments, fearing that his position on key issues differs from Trump's and this could disrupt the apparent unanimity.
These differences came to light later, when the presidents of the US and Ukraine appeared before journalists together with several leading European leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the next step should be an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. This position obviously contradicts the view of President Trump, who had previously stated that a ceasefire was not necessary before a more lasting and sustainable solution could be reached.
At this moment, President Zelenskyy remained demonstratively silent on the topic of the truce. This remarkable lack of comment on his part raised questions about the degree of agreement between him and his Western partners, while highlighting the complex diplomatic dynamics in which Kyiv and its allies find themselves.