In the Latest News from Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump has told Ukraine to forget about joining NATO and stop trying to reclaim Crimea. This strong statement came just before his planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders on Monday.
The talks are set to focus on pushing Ukraine toward a peace deal with Russia. However, Trump’s conditions could put huge pressure on Zelenskiy, who has so far refused to accept terms that favor Moscow.
Trump’s message to Ukraine
Trump recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, giving him a warm welcome. Now, as he prepares to meet Zelenskiy, Trump has made it clear that he wants Kyiv to compromise if the war is to end.
- Trump said on his social media platform that Zelenskiy could “end the war almost immediately” if he accepts Russia’s conditions.
- He reminded Ukraine that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, was “gone” and would not be returned.
- Trump also ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership, saying it was not an option.
This direct message has raised alarms in Kyiv and across Europe, as many fear Trump may lean toward a deal that benefits Moscow more than Ukraine.
The European angle
European leaders are now flying into Washington to show solidarity with Ukraine. Leaders from Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, and the EU will all attend meetings at the White House. Their goal is to make sure Ukraine does not feel abandoned in these crucial talks.
- Germany called the meeting a “moment of truth.”
- Britain’s Daily Mail described it as “D-Day at the White House.”
- France and other European countries have stressed that security guarantees for Ukraine must be part of any deal.
This shows how important the talks are for Europe’s security and for global politics.
Zelenskiy’s position
President Zelenskiy has already rejected parts of Putin’s proposals from the Alaska talks. One of the key points was for Ukraine to surrender the rest of the Donetsk region, which Kyiv still partly controls.
- Zelenskiy wants an immediate ceasefire to start deeper peace talks.
- He hopes America and Europe will stay united in pressuring Russia.
- On Telegram, he wrote that “Russia must end this war — the war it started.”
Despite the tension, Zelenskiy thanked Trump for the invitation and said he was committed to working with both the U.S. and Europe to achieve peace.
Fighting continues on the ground
While leaders meet in Washington, the war in Ukraine has not slowed down. Russia launched fresh missile and drone attacks overnight on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
- At least seven people were killed, including two children.
- Apartment blocks and playgrounds were hit.
- Rescue workers were still pulling survivors from the rubble.
On the battlefield, Russia continues to push forward slowly, using its larger army and firepower to wear down Ukrainian defenses. Putin has said he will keep fighting until his goals are achieved.
Putin’s peace proposal
The outline of Putin’s peace plan, revealed earlier, looks impossible for Ukraine to accept. It demands that Ukraine give up more land in the east. But Ukrainian forces are strongly dug in across Donetsk and are unlikely to retreat.
This is why Zelenskiy is hoping that the U.S. and European leaders will back him firmly. There are fears in Kyiv that Trump may pressure him to give up land in exchange for peace.
Why this matters
This is not just about Ukraine. The war is the deadliest conflict in Europe in over 80 years, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. Any peace deal will shape the future of NATO, Europe, and global security.
- If Ukraine is forced to compromise too much, Russia may feel stronger in the region.
- If Ukraine resists, the war could continue for years with devastating costs.
- The world is watching Washington closely, waiting to see whether Trump will prioritize peace, pressure, or power.
As one German minister said: “The whole world is looking to Washington.”
This Breaking News moment is more than just a meeting. It is a test of how far the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine can stay united against Russian aggression.
