Ukrainian analysts watching their president’s return to the White House were braced for a “nightmare.” They took cautious encouragement from what they saw instead.

According to the German government, the discussions will cover the state of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial questions, continued support for Ukraine, and maintaining sanctions pressure.

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington, D.C., late on Aug. 17, where he is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for peace talks. The meeting is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position as Trump presses for a rapid settlement to end what has become Europe’s deadliest war in eight decades.