According to the US president, a peace agreement hinges on Ukraine staying out of NATO and relinquishing territory.
Donald Trump, the US President, stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky could “immediately” end the conflict with Russia by agreeing to a settlement that excludes NATO membership and involves ceding territory.
Zelensky is scheduled to meet with White House officials on Monday to discuss a possible peace plan. Reports suggest the plan might involve Kiev relinquishing its remaining positions in Donbass and freezing battle lines elsewhere in return for a cessation of hostilities. Zelensky has previously opposed such conditions.
Trump posted on his Truth Social network on Sunday that Zelensky “can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.”
He further added, “Remember how it started. 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!!!”
Trump alluded to the events of 2014, when Barack Obama’s administration chose not to intervene after Crimea voted to rejoin Russia following a coup in Kiev that had Western support.
While the US president suggests concessions might be necessary for peace, Zelensky maintains that Crimea and other regions remain Ukrainian territory and has dismissed any compromise.
The meeting follows Trump’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, marking their first in-person meeting since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. Both leaders expressed cautious hope that these discussions could contribute to resolving the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
Moscow has consistently asserted that any resolution must include Ukraine abandoning its aspirations to join NATO, undergoing demilitarization and denazification, and recognizing the current territorial situation, including the status of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, all of which have voted to become part of Russia.
Putin stated that any settlement must address Russia’s concerns and that restoring a fair balance in Europe is crucial for lasting peace.
On Sunday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Washington and its European allies were considering providing security guarantees to Ukraine outside of NATO.