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WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 18, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider ending the war with Russia, stating that the decision “lays with Zelenskyy” to either pursue peace or continue the conflict. The remarks, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account late Sunday, come just hours before a pivotal summit in Washington involving Zelenskyy and several European leaders.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote, referencing the origins of the conflict and reiterating his opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
🕊️ Diplomatic Context
Trump’s statement follows his three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska. While both leaders described the talks as “productive,” no ceasefire agreement was reached. Trump later told Fox News that “most points” had been agreed upon, but emphasized that the next steps depend on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate.
Putin reportedly proposed a territorial arrangement involving Ukraine’s withdrawal from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for Russian concessions elsewhere. Zelenskyy has consistently rejected any deal that involves ceding Ukrainian territory.
🤝 Upcoming Summit in Washington
The August 18 summit in Washington is expected to bring together Zelenskyy, Trump, and a coalition of European leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting aims to explore pathways toward a durable peace agreement, though tensions remain high over the terms of any potential settlement.
Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s comments with a post on X, stressing that peace must be “lasting” and not based on concessions that could embolden future aggression. He cited past failures of security guarantees and the 2014 annexation of Crimea as cautionary examples.
🔍 Strategic Implications
The summit marks a critical juncture in the ongoing war, which has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. Trump’s push for a rapid resolution—potentially involving land swaps and non-NATO security guarantees—has drawn mixed reactions from allies. European leaders are expected to press for a ceasefire as a prerequisite to broader negotiations.
While Trump has positioned himself as a mediator, critics warn that bypassing Ukraine’s sovereignty in the negotiation process could undermine the legitimacy of any deal. The outcome of today’s summit may shape the trajectory of the war and the future of U.S.–European diplomatic alignment.
