Trump schedules talks with Zelensky and al-Sharaa at NATO summit
President Trump seeks progress on Ukraine and Syria during NATO meetings
WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump is set to hold separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, the White House has said.
Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters that Trump will meet both leaders on Wednesday afternoon, as Washington seeks to advance diplomatic efforts related to the wars in Ukraine and the wider Middle East.
Trump’s talks with Zelensky are expected to focus on ways to end Russia’s nearly four-and-a-half-year-long invasion of Ukraine. A senior US official said the president has long considered ending the conflict a priority and would discuss possible paths toward a settlement with the Ukrainian leader.
The official added that Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his meeting with Zelensky. Trump held separate phone calls with Putin and Zelensky on Saturday, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
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Trump and Zelensky last met at the G7 summit in France in June, where leaders agreed to increase pressure on Russia to bring the war to an end. Relations between the two leaders, however, have at times been strained, particularly after a heated Oval Office exchange in February 2025.
Trump will also meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa amid renewed concerns over Syria’s possible role in neighbouring Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah remain locked in conflict.
Trump has previously suggested that Damascus could become militarily involved in Lebanon. However, al-Sharaa rejected that possibility in June, saying Syria was seeking economic cooperation with Lebanon rather than military engagement.
Any renewed Syrian military role in Lebanon would remain highly sensitive. Syria maintained a dominant presence in the country for decades after intervening in Lebanon’s 1975–1990 civil war before withdrawing its forces in 2005.
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