US president to hold bilateral talks on war and security
President Donald Trump will hold separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa during this week's NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, the White House confirmed Sunday. The meetings are expected to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war and stabilizing post-conflict Syria.
Urgency to end Russia-Ukraine war
A senior US official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity said Trump views the conflict in Ukraine as a priority that must be resolved. "The president feels a sense of urgency to bring the war to an end," the official said, adding that Trump will press Zelenskyy on pathways to a ceasefire during their bilateral meeting.
NATO agenda expands beyond Europe
The summit, hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, comes as NATO grapples with multiple security challenges across two continents. Trump's meeting with al-Sharaa signals Washington's intent to engage with Syria's new leadership following the collapse of the Assad regime. The US has been seeking to reduce its military footprint in the region while maintaining influence over post-war arrangements.