Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war “almost immediately” if he renounces Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO and agrees not to reclaim Crimea.
“Remember how this war started… Some things never change,” Trump added, referencing the roots of the conflict.
Zelensky announced earlier today that he has arrived in Washington and is scheduled to meet with Trump and European leaders soon.
In a show of solidarity, European leaders—concerned that Zelensky might be pressured into making concessions—have traveled to the U.S.
Zelensky wrote on X: “We all want this war to end quickly and reliably, and for lasting peace to be established—not like in past years when Ukraine had to relinquish Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region. Putin used that concession merely as a launchpad for renewed aggression.”
He stressed that Crimea should never have been given to Russia, just as Kyiv and other cities were not surrendered after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Ukrainians are fighting for their land and their independence,” Zelensky said. “Our troops have made gains in Donetsk and Sumy. I am confident that we will defend Ukraine.”
