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Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War, Rejects NATO and Crimea Return
U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia “almost immediately, if he wants to.” He stated this would require Ukraine to drop its NATO membership bid and accept that Crimea will not be returned. Trump made these remarks just ahead of hosting Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington.
No NATO, No Crimea Return
Trump reiterated that Ukraine would not be permitted to join NATO and that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, would remain under Moscow’s control. He suggested that accepting these conditions could pave the way for a settlement to the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s Pushback
President Zelenskyy, however, has consistently rejected any peace plan that involves ceding Ukrainian territory or limiting Kyiv’s foreign policy choices. Upon his arrival in Washington, he underlined that peace must be lasting, fair, and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Rising Tensions and Security Guarantees
The talks are taking place amid continued Russian strikes in Ukraine. Western allies are exploring options for providing Ukraine with long-term security guarantees, even if NATO membership is delayed. European leaders stressed that peace must be backed by binding security assurances and not return to fragile agreements of the past.
