The Russia-Ukraine war once again came into global focus after US President Donald Trump made fresh remarks on social media before his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social that Monday would be a “big day at the White House,” as he was set to host not only Zelenskyy but also several European leaders.
Soon after, Trump went a step further, claiming that Zelenskyy “can end the war with Russia almost immediately if he wants to.” He also repeated his stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership and Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, which he said could not be reversed.
These comments have drawn global attention, especially since Zelenskyy has already landed in Washington for what could be one of the most important diplomatic meetings since the war began.
In his post, Trump said Zelenskyy could either “end the war” or “continue to fight.” He linked this statement to his long-held view that Ukraine should not pursue NATO membership and that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, could not be returned.
Trump reminded readers that the annexation of Crimea happened during the Obama administration, without a major fight. “No getting back Obama-given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE,” he wrote.
The annexation of Crimea remains one of the most controversial turning points in modern geopolitics. In 2014, after Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted for rejecting an agreement with the European Union, Russia sent troops to Crimea, claiming to protect ethnic Russians and its military interests. The move was widely condemned as illegal, but Russia consolidated control.
Earlier this year, Russia even announced the formal integration of Crimea, strengthening its claim to the territory.
In recent weeks, Trump has suggested that a peace deal is possible if Ukraine accepts certain compromises. He claimed there had been “big progress on Russia,” though he gave no details. According to some reports, Russia proposed freezing the battle lines if Ukraine surrendered the Donetsk region, but Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea.
Trump also shifted his tone on ceasefires. While he initially pushed for an immediate truce during talks with Putin in Alaska, he later agreed to continue peace discussions without a ceasefire. His approach shows flexibility but also raises questions about how much Ukraine would need to concede.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, DC, on Sunday ahead of his meetings with Trump and European leaders. Speaking on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine wants peace but not at the cost of surrendering its land.
He wrote: “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting.”
Zelenskyy also highlighted past mistakes when Ukraine gave up parts of its territory or relied on weak guarantees. He reminded people of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances—assurances that failed when Russia invaded Crimea.
He stressed that Crimea “should not have been given up then,” and compared it to how Ukrainians refused to surrender Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. According to him, Ukrainians are defending their land and independence, not just fighting for temporary deals.
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Zelenskyy also pointed to recent military gains by Ukraine in the Donetsk and Sumy regions, showing that his forces still have momentum. He insisted that lasting peace must be achieved through strength and unity with partners, not through concessions to Russia.
“Our soldiers have successes… I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance,” he wrote.
He closed his statement with a direct message: “Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace.”
The White House meeting will bring Trump, Zelenskyy, and multiple European leaders together at a critical time. For Trump, this is an opportunity to show leadership on the world stage and to advance his vision of how the war should end. For Zelenskyy, it is a chance to rally continued US and European support, both militarily and financially.
The biggest question is whether Trump’s push for a quick peace will clash with Zelenskyy’s demand for a lasting and fair settlement. Many experts warn that ending the war without strong guarantees could only set the stage for another Russian attack in the future.
At the same time, Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine stay out of NATO and accept the loss of Crimea is likely to be controversial, both in Kyiv and among many European governments. Still, the talks may provide a framework for new negotiations, especially if both sides can agree on freezing hostilities.
For ordinary Ukrainians, the stakes remain high. Millions have been displaced, thousands have lost their lives, and the country’s economy is under immense strain. A peace deal that restores stability while protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is the ultimate goal, but getting there will require difficult compromises and international unity.
The meeting in Washington could shape the future of the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump’s comments suggest he believes peace is within reach if Ukraine accepts limits on NATO membership and recognizes Russia’s control of Crimea. Zelenskyy, however, insists that Ukraine cannot surrender its land and must ensure lasting security.
As world leaders gather, the tension between a quick peace and a fair peace will dominate discussions. Whether the talks lead to real progress or just more statements remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the war in Ukraine is at a crossroads, and decisions made now could define the region’s future for decades.
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