Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has openly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to abandon Ukraine’s long-standing aspiration to join NATO, arguing that such a move could end the war with Russia “almost immediately.”
His remarks mark one of the sharpest rebukes yet of Kyiv’s Western ambitions, and closely echo Moscow’s repeated demands.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump drew attention to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 under former President Barack Obama, stressing that it was carried out without military resistance from the West.
“No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change,” he declared.
The comments came just days after Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he claimed “big progress” had been made, though without providing specifics.
Zelenskyy Responds with Caution
Zelenskyy, arriving in Washington on Sunday night, struck a careful balance between gratitude and defiance. “I am grateful to the President of the United States for the invitation. We all equally want to end this war swiftly and reliably,” he wrote on Telegram.
At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine’s strength comes from unity with its allies, adding, “I hope that our shared strength with America and with our European friends will compel Russia to real peace.”
Rare White House Gathering
The spotlight now shifts to the White House, where Trump is set to host Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders on Monday (Aug 18) in what is being described as an unusually large and symbolic gathering.
Those expected to attend include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen confirmed her participation, noting that she would join “at the request of President Zelenskyy.”
The Stakes for Peace
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the urgency of the talks, warning that if no peace framework emerges, “people will continue to die by the thousands.”
Analysts suggest that while Trump’s push for a rapid deal may appeal to war-weary voters ahead of the 2026 midterms, it risks weakening Western unity if Kyiv is forced to make painful concessions.
Closing Analysis
For Trump, the meeting is a chance to showcase statesmanship and reinforce his claim that only he can “end the war quickly.” For Zelenskyy, however, the summit is a delicate balancing act—securing
Western backing while resisting pressure that could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty. As Europe and America converge on Washington, the outcome could shape not only the trajectory of the Ukraine war but also the broader balance of power in Europe for years to come.
(With inputs from agencies)
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