WASHINGTON – Donald Trump, the President of the United States, said on Truth Social that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may stop the war with Russia “almost immediately” if he is willing to make certain compromises. Trump says that the most important things are that Ukraine must give up its plan to join NATO and recognize that it will not get Crimea back, which Russia took over in 2014.
Trump posted on his social media page, “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost right away if he wants to, or he can keep fighting.” He then made a historical reference: “Remember how it all began.” There is no way to bring Obama back because of Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and Ukraine cannot join NATO. Some things will never change!!!
Trump made this statement right after his important meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without a formal breakthrough. Trump had a “lengthy call” with Zelenskyy while flying back to Washington after meeting with Putin. The White House said that Trump also talked to NATO leaders, stressing that he was more interested in a “peace deal” than a short-term “ceasefire.”
Zelenskyy tweeted on X (previously Twitter) to thank Trump for the invitation and say that they had a “long and substantive conversation.” He had a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. He also said he was in favor of a conference between Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
The meeting on Monday will be a very important test for both leaders. Their previous meeting was at a NATO conference in June, where Trump openly criticized Zelenskyy, which was said to be tense. This time, the stakes are higher because the two leaders are supposed to talk about how to end the fight.