THE stakes could hardly be higher for Ukraine’s president as he heads to the White House today.
Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Donald Trump for significant peace discussions today, marking his first visit to the White House since the dramatic confrontation with the President in February.
But fears are mounting that Trump will pressure Zelensky into handing over vast swathes of Ukrainian sovereign territory in exchange for peace.
If he refuses, Trump is likely to claim the blame for the continued conflict lies with Ukraine – not with their invaders.
Accompanied by a group of key European allies, Zelensky will be looking to play his cards carefully in this high stakes match.
Critically, Zelensky aims to prevent a recurrence of the heated argument with Trump and JD Vance from February that stunned the global audience and unsettled Ukraine’s supporters.
Here are five things Zelensky should do to keep the White House on side as he seeks a favourable deal.
Don’t forget to give a gift at the start
Donald Trump, who is known to appreciate praise, received a gift from the courageous Ukrainian leader back in February.
Knowing Trump’s love of combat sports, Zelensky brought along Ukrainian boxing legend Oleksandr Usyk’s world heavyweight belt to give Trump.
As he sat down for that fateful meeting, Zelensky put the belt next to him on a table, which he planned to hand over in front of the press.
But he instead proceeded to show Trump graphic images of Ukrainian prisoners of war ahead of the gift – lowering the President’s mood on the spot.
Zelensky may opt this time to win Trump’s favour with a well-timed gift at the start of proceedings.
Don’t forget to choose clothes wisely
Since Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky has routinely donned his army fatigues in solidarity with his troops on the frontlines.
Yet Trump and his surrogates have often chided the war leader for not wearing a suit on international visits to rally support for Ukraine.
It is highly unlikely Zelensky will break from tradition and grab a business suit and tie from the wardrobe.
But he has tweaked is outfit on past occasions – and the White House has even reportedly asked Zelensky if he will wear a suit today.
He notably swapped his khakis for a heavy black jacket and shirt at June’s Nato summit, where he had a more productive meeting with Trump.
Don’t forget to woo Trump
For better or worse, world leaders have lined up for meetings with Trump since his return to office.
Donald Trump is well known for his susceptibility to flattery, something that has been ruthlessly exploited by many heads of state.
Sir Keir Starmer knew this – which is why he came to Washington with broad smiles and a state visit invite signed by His Majesty the King.
Zelensky intends to avoid calling Trump something as audacious as “daddy”—a move previously made by NATO chief Mark Rutte—but he also seeks not to provoke the president.
And if European leaders can’t tempt Trump towards their stance, Putin might.
Vlad was on the charm offensive on Friday, playing into Trump’s claims that the war would not have happened under his watch.
Don’t guilt-trip with atrocities
In February, when Zelensky presented distressing images of a captured Ukrainian soldier, it reportedly caused Trump to be displeased.
It’s been reported that this got under Trump’s skin, making him believe he was being blamed for their suffering.
“That’s tough stuff,” he commented as he was shown images of tortured POWs.
Zelensky later reflected: “What I wanted to show were my values. But then, well, the conversation went in another direction.”
Leaders from around the world, including Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer, have instead cautiously approached the subject, stating that Trump is “pursuing a lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Avoid saying ‘no’
Vladimir Putin laid a trap for Zelensky in his meeting with Trump on Friday.
No peace deal emerged, but Trump’s tune changed from wanting a ceasefire to seeking a full peace agreement.
But such a deal risks seeing Ukraine forced to cede land it currently holds to Russia – something that will be unacceptable to Zelensky.
Yet Putin knows that if Zelensky goes to the White House and flatly refuses to consider such a proposal, Trump’s patience with Ukraine will wear thin.
How Zelensky and his European allies reject Russian demands will be the key test of today’s meeting.
