WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House is strategizing on how to bring the war in Ukraine to a close following discussions involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Trump, and several European leaders on Monday.

President Trump is casting himself as the broker of peace between Ukraine and Russia but after Monday’s meeting at the White House questions remain.

President Trump says he’s confident he can strike a deal with Russia to end the fighting in Ukraine.

“I’m optimistic we can reach an agreement that would deter future aggression against Ukraine,” said Trump.

On this day, President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside numerous European leaders at the White House. This meeting succeeded his direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which occurred last Friday.

“We’re all working for the same goal: very simple goal we want to stop the killing,” said Trump.

Ukraine and European allies are pushing for a deal that includes strong security guarantees to prevent another Russian invasion in the future.

“The security in Ukraine depends on the United States,” said Zelenskyy.

While President Trump has withdrawn his previous demand for an immediate halt to hostilities, Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, emphasizes that a ceasefire should still be integral to any peace negotiations.

“It is hard to envision a subsequent meeting occurring without a ceasefire. Therefore, we must endeavor to achieve that and focus on exerting pressure on Russia,” Merz stated.

U.S. and European officials continue to insist that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be respected.

Right now, Russia has taken about 20% of Ukraine’s land and that remains one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations.