Following discussions at the Alaska meeting, former President Donald Trump announced that peace in the war in Ukraine is within grasp in a surprise White House speech that Fox News broadcast Monday, interrupting regular programming. As Trump declared what he called a major breakthrough in talks with Russia, the network interrupted its planned programming.
The Alaska conference strengthened my conviction that, despite its challenges, peace is achievable, Trump stated while speaking from the White House. I think President Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine, which is a very important step. “I am hopeful that we can come to an agreement as a group that would discourage any further aggression against Ukraine,” he continued. I believe that a large portion of the burden will fall on the European nations.
My goal is to reach paradise.
As he works to put an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump makes a modest acknowledgment.r5r0TuUuPM pic.twitter.com/10
Fox News August 19, 2025 (@FoxNews)
As rumors circulated about whether Trump had made progress toward reaching an agreement, Fox News broadcast the comments live, garnering immediate attention. Days of anticipation preceded the announcement of the high-level talks, which were attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Shortly after Trump’s speech, British Labour leader Keir Starmer made an appearance on Fox News, describing the day as a significant turning point. In light of a struggle that has lasted for three and a half years and that no one has been able to resolve to this point, I believe that today will be remembered as a very significant day in recent years. For that, I am grateful, Starmer remarked. His remarks strengthened the impression that the meeting had made a difference in a war that has continued interminably with little end in sight.
In order to safeguard Ukraine and Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron again emphasized the significance of robust security measures. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, delivered a heartfelt message, stressing the humanitarian cost and pleading with the world community to put an end to the killing. Melania Trump had previously expressed a similar view in a letter to Putin, urging consideration of war-affected Ukrainian youngsters.
Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, gave Trump a direct compliment, saying, “Thanks to you, something has changed.” Though there are still concerns about how an agreement would be implemented, the remarks showed a wave of European support for the new course.
Zelenskyy, who met with Trump in the White House, said their discussion was excellent, targeted, and productive. The Ukrainian president conveyed cautious optimism about the course of the negotiations and thanked Trump for his time.
Trump said a three-way meeting between himself, Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin might be the next step. Of course, we all want an immediate truce while we work toward a permanent peace, and perhaps that is what will happen. “It’s not happening right now,” Trump stated. Although he pointed out that ceasefires had not always been quickly implemented in previous agreements, he maintained that a lasting peace deal was still very much within reach.
Everyone is thrilled by the prospect of peace between Russia and Ukraine. I phoned President Putin after the meetings ended and started making plans to meet with President Donald J. Trumppic.twitter.com/avDo5j39F9.
August 18, 2025, The White House (@WhiteHouse)
While applauding Trump’s announcement, European leaders cautioned. Any security assurances must be enforced, not just symbolic, according to some authorities. Improved air defense systems and intelligence-sharing initiatives are among the proposals being discussed, but the situation is further complicated by Russia’s opposition to the Western military presence in Ukraine.
