Start Here Trump Pushes a Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting
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Aug 19, 2025 
Rachel Scott, ABC News senior political correspondent, shares insights on recent diplomatic meetings involving President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Rick Klein, ABC's Washington bureau chief, discusses the rising tension over Texas redistricting and the return of Democrats to the state house for a crucial vote. The conversation also highlights the urgent negotiations for a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities. Plus, Hurricane Erin looms, threatening the East Coast with dangerous conditions.
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Past Meeting Shaped New Dynamics
- President Trump's earlier Oval Office meeting with Zelensky was tense and signaled a shift away from unconditional U.S. support.
- That history shaped Zelensky's approach when he returned for the later, more conciliatory talks.
Multilateral Setting Changed Tone
- The White House convened seven European leaders quickly to discuss paths to peace between Russia and Ukraine.
- That multilateral setting changed the tone from the earlier two-way confrontation between Trump and Zelensky.
Trump Pitches Direct Putin–Zelensky Talks
- Trump pushed the idea that Putin and Zelensky should meet directly to negotiate territorial swaps.
- He framed such direct talks as necessary for any real chance at ending the war.