As Trump hosted Zelensky and European leaders to energize months of stalled efforts to halt the Russia-Ukraine war, the tone was far different than when Ukraine’s president was hounded out of the White House in February.

Ukraine and its European allies are seeking to persuade President Trump that a cease-fire is a prerequisite for peace talks with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader seemed mostly upbeat about his latest White House appearance, describing his meeting with Trump as "warm". His optimism, however, appeared deliberate as he sought to avoid a repeat of his last Oval Office visit and convince his American hosts to embrace the European position on ending the war.

The White House, ahead of Monday's meeting, asked Zelensky to wear a traditional suit and tie, according to a European official and another person involved in planning. The request came through the office that handles White House protocol, though a spokeswoman declined to comment publicly.

I love it.” Mr Trump was referring to Mr Zelensky’s decision to bow to American pressure and wear a suit-like garment to the meeting, an issue that had contributed to an acrimonious blow-up in the Oval Office in February (when Mr Zelensky wore a black sweater).

President Trump has offered only vague assurances of security guarantees for Ukraine if President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees to cut a deal with Russia.

It was a striking contrast to the meeting six months ago, when Trump, red-faced and angry, accused an agitated Zelensky of failing to show enough gratitude to the United States. The blowup was so heated that the Ukrainian delegation was sent from the White House without being allowed to eat their waiting lunch.

We don’t have any date,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters about a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Trump said he hopes to hold a trilateral meeting with himself and the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.