A highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025, at the White House. Several European leaders — including the UK Prime Minister, German Chancellor, French President, and NATO Secretary-General — will also attend, signaling broad international attention on the outcome.
🚨Trump told Zelensky that he can “almost immediately” end Russia’s war on Ukraine if he abandons his Nato ambitions and agrees not to reclaim Crimea.
Follow the latest updates ⬇️https://t.co/N7fyuQfttn pic.twitter.com/VQer3oXSWC
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 18, 2025
The talks follow Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which did not secure a ceasefire but focused on the idea of a broader “peace agreement.”
What President Trump is saying ahead of the meeting:
- Pressure on Ukraine: Trump said Zelensky “can end the war almost immediately, if he wants to.”
- NATO Off the Table: He reiterated Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO.
- Crimea Concession: Trump ruled out the return of Crimea, saying it was lost “12 years ago, without a shot being fired!”
- Full Peace vs. Ceasefire: He emphasized the focus is now on a full peace deal, not a temporary ceasefire.
- Responsibility on Kyiv: Trump insisted the “onus” for ending the conflict now rests with Zelenskyy.
What President Zelensky is saying ahead of the meeting:
- Security Guarantees: Zelensky is seeking strong security assurances from the U.S. and Europe.
- No Land Concessions: He has rejected giving up any territory, calling it unconstitutional.
- Russia’s Responsibility: He stressed that “Russia must end this war, which it itself started.”
- Alliance Strength: Zelenskyy expressed hope that the “shared strength” of the U.S. and Europe will compel Russia toward real peace.
Why it matters:
- The presence of European leaders underscores a united Western stance in support of Ukraine.
- The meeting will test whether Washington and its allies can align on a path forward after the inconclusive Trump–Putin summit.
- It also comes amid fears of a repeat of the tense Trump–Zelensky encounter in February 2025, which temporarily stalled U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
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