UPDATE: President Donald Trump has declared that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can end the ongoing war with Russia “almost immediately” as both leaders prepare for a pivotal meeting at the White House today. This high-stakes summit, starting at 1 p.m. ET, will include several European leaders, marking a critical moment in efforts to resolve the conflict that has escalated since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
As tensions rise, Trump emphasized that Ukraine must make significant territorial concessions to secure peace. In a social media post, he stated, “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.” This statement follows Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that Ukraine would not reclaim Crimea, which has been under Russian occupation since 2014.
Earlier today, Trump hinted at a “big day” ahead, boasting about hosting numerous European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron. He reiterated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is off the table, claiming, “NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
The summit comes on the heels of Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where sources report that Russia is demanding Ukraine cede its contested eastern regions in exchange for a ceasefire. This shift in Trump’s approach has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, who assert that any territorial concessions are unacceptable.
Zelenskyy, arriving in Washington last night, expressed gratitude for the meeting’s potential impact. “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably,” he wrote on social media, stressing that “peace must be lasting.” He highlighted the need for strong security guarantees from the international community to deter Russian aggression.
During the summit, Trump is expected to greet Zelenskyy outside the West Wing at 1 p.m. ET, followed by a bilateral meeting and a photo opportunity with European leaders at 2:30 p.m. ET. A multilateral meeting is slated for 3 p.m. ET, where security guarantees and Ukraine’s future will be paramount topics.
French President Macron emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “If we are weak today with Russia, we prepare the wars of tomorrow.” He outlined a two-pronged approach involving bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities and deploying a Western “reassurance force” to deter further Russian attacks.
The ongoing conflict continues to inflict heavy casualties. Overnight, Ukrainian forces reported that Russia launched over 140 drones and missiles, with at least seven fatalities confirmed from a drone strike on an apartment complex in Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials are striving for a ceasefire while grappling with the implications of Trump’s shifting stance on territorial concessions.
As this urgent situation unfolds, the world’s attention is on Washington, where the outcomes of today’s discussions could reshape the geopolitical landscape and influence the future of Ukraine. Key developments and reactions are expected throughout the day, making this a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation progresses.
