U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war with Russia if he desires, but he does not plan to see Ukraine join NATO. He voiced this position on Truth Social, emphasizing that some things never change.
“Zelensky can instantly end the war with Russia if he wants, or he can continue fighting. No return of Crimea, which Obama handed over (12 years ago without a single shot), and no admission of Ukraine to NATO. Some things never change”
– Donald Trump, Truth Social
He also announced a planned meeting with Zelensky at the White House with the participation of European partners. Trump expressed hope for productive talks and stressed the importance of close coordination with allies.
“Tomorrow is a big day at the White House. There have never been so many European leaders in one place at the same time. It is a great honor for me to welcome them”
– Donald Trump, Truth Social
Timeline of negotiations and leaders’ participation
Before the meeting, visits were anticipated and the participation of leading representatives of Europe and NATO: the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and other regional leaders, as well as the leaders of the allies in the format of multilateral talks. The event itself was planned as a platform for discussing the prospects for peace and further cooperation.
On August 15, at Elmendorf-Richardson Military Base in Anchorage, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin met. They discussed the course of the war against Ukraine and a number of bilateral issues. The meeting took place without the participation of Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
From the Ukrainian side, President Zelensky called it “Putin’s personal victory,” stating that he is not inclined toward peace, but seeks to exit international isolation and delay sanctions. The format of the meeting was announced as “three on three.” Joining Trump were the U.S. Secretary of State and Special Representative Steve Vitkoff. From the Russian side – Putin, his aide Yuri Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
After the meeting, the leaders issued statements. Trump noted that “there is no deal, but significant progress has been made” and expressed a desire to improve relations with the Russian Federation after the war ends. Putin said that Trump is trying to help resolve the Ukrainian issue and expressed hope that the achieved agreement would contribute to peace. It was also reported that expanded talks were canceled, and the leaders left the base immediately after the meeting.
After meeting Putin, Trump held a telephone conversation with Zelensky and the leaders of the European Union and NATO. Zelensky said that on August 18 he would arrive in the United States for talks with Trump and supports the idea of a trilateral meeting. Trump himself confirmed Zelensky’s visit and expressed his view on the possibility of concluding a peace agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, not just a ceasefire.
All these events, in light of future cooperation and prospects for peace, remain topics of discussion on the political stage, as relations between Kyiv, Washington, and European partners develop within the context of the long-standing conflict in eastern Europe.