Edith Hejberg
Zelensky landed in Washington ahead of high-stakes meetings with Trump and a large group of European leaders.
President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Ukraine to agree to Russian demands, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Washington.
Trump has suggested that Ukraine must give up Crimea and commit to never joining NATO, two key conditions set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for ending the war.
Zelensky Touches Down in DC for Crucial Talks
Zelensky landed in Washington ahead of high-stakes meetings with Trump and a large group of European leaders.
The visit comes just 48 hours after Trump met with Putin, adding urgency and scrutiny to the discussions. Zelensky’s goal: secure stronger security guarantees for Ukraine’s future.
Crimea and NATO “Off the Table,” Says Trump
In a late Sunday statement, Trump made it clear: for peace to be possible, Ukraine must agree to forgo NATO membership and formally give up Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
These demands align closely with Putin’s long-standing conditions, raising concerns among Kyiv’s allies.
Ukraine’s Constitution Stands Firm on Territory
Zelensky pushed back strongly on Sunday, stating, “The Constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land.”
He emphasized that any peace deal must not violate Ukraine’s legal and sovereign boundaries, particularly concerning Crimea.
Peace, But With Lasting Security
Speaking ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelensky said peace must be “lasting.”
He warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the 2014 annexation of Crimea, which happened after earlier security promises failed to deter Russia.
Trump Hosts Record Number of European Leaders
Trump highlighted the scale of the event, saying on social media it was a “Big day” and a “great honor” to welcome so many European leaders at once.
It’s one of the largest gatherings of allies at the White House in recent years, signaling the global weight of the talks.
US Signals Willingness to Guarantee Ukraine’s Safety
Steve Witkoff, the US envoy, revealed that Putin has agreed to let Ukraine’s allies, particularly the US, offer security guarantees.
One idea under discussion is a NATO-style agreement where an attack on Ukraine would be treated as an attack on all its backers.
Alternative to NATO: “Article 5-Like” Guarantees
While Russia rejects Ukraine’s NATO membership, Putin has reportedly accepted the idea of a security pact that mimics NATO’s Article 5.
This would give Ukraine protection without formally joining the alliance, offering a possible compromise in ongoing peace talks.
Europe Plans a Post-War “Reassurance Force”
British and French leaders said they are ready to send troops to Ukraine after the fighting stops. Described as a “reassurance force,” the deployment would help stabilize Ukraine and deter future aggression.
Leaders of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” voiced strong support for Trump’s security commitments.
Many Questions Remain Ahead of Oval Office Meeting
Zelensky is set for bilateral talks with Trump in the Oval Office, followed by broader discussions with European leaders.
While momentum for peace is building, critical disagreements over land, sovereignty, and Ukraine’s future role in the West remain unresolved.
