Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine has met with Keith Kellogg, US special envoy  in Washington, where he laid the groundwork for what he described as a “very serious” round of talks later today with Donald Trump and a group of European leaders.

In a message after the meeting, Zelensky struck a determined tone, stressing that peace in Europe hinges on unity and strength. “Russia can only be forced into peace through strength, and President Trump has that strength,” he wrote, thanking Kellogg for his support.

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The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv remains committed to pushing for a resolution to the war while ensuring lasting security. “Ukraine is ready to continue working with maximum effort to end the war and to ensure reliable security,” Zelensky noted. “We must do everything right so that peace really comes.”’

Framing the conflict as a test of Europe’s collective security, he added: “When peace is discussed for one country in Europe, it means peace for all of Europe.”

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Zelensky’s comments come as anticipation builds over his upcoming joint session with Trump, British prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

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The meeting, set to take place at the White House, is expected to shape the next phase of Western strategy on Ukraine—balancing calls for a ceasefire with the need to reassure allies that Moscow cannot dictate the terms of peace.