Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war ‘almost immediately’ if he wants to – but the Ukrainian leader said it must be Putin who does so
Volodymyr Zelensky has given a classy response after Donald Trump suggested the Ukrainian leader could end the war “almost immediately”.
In a social media rant the erratic US President said Mr Zelensky must give up on Crimea and accept it must not join NATO. The two leaders are set for their first Oval Office meeting since Mr Trump and his No2, JD Vance, launched into a disgraceful attack in February.
In stark contrast he appeared friendly as he met warmonger Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. Mr Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday evening: ‘President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. 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!!!’ It comes after Putin warns of nuclear war after unleashing another night of hell on Ukraine
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In response Mr Zelensky said his country would not be bullied into accepting a bad deal, and said it must be Putin who ends the conflict. European leaders, including Keir Starmer, are jetting to Washington DC in a show of support. The US faces calls to provide a security guarantee if a peace agreement is reached, but there remain questions about the White House’s willingness to do this.
The Ukrainian President wrote on Twitter /X: “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East – part of Donbas – and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack.
“Or when Ukraine was given so called “security guarantees” in 1994, but they didn’t work” He Crimea “should not have been given up” and added: “Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence.
“Now, our soldiers have successes in Donetsk and Sumy regions. I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance.
“Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace.”
The Prime Minister will jet to Washington, DC, today to stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian wartime leader and a host of allies to discuss an end to Russia’s bloody invasion. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, are all set to flank Mr Zelensky.
They will be joined by Mark Rutte, the NATO General Secretary, and the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who said she was joining “at the request of President Zelensky.
European leaders will be hoping to swerve a repeat of explosive scenes in the Oval Office back in February when Mr Trump and US Vice President JD Vance publicly ambushed Mr Zelensky. In scenes broadcast to millions worldwide, Mr Trump pointed his finger at Ukraine’s leader and warned he was “gambling with World War Three”.
In an attempt to humiliate Ukraine’s leader, who left the White House earlier than planned during the showdown in February, Mr Vance asked: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?” In a stark contrast the red-carpet was rolled out for Putin on Friday as he shared a journey with Mr Trump in The Beast – the nickname given to Presidential limo.
During a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing – a group of 30-plus nations prepared to police any peace in Ukraine – it is understood Mr Starmer said on Sunday European partners are unified in their support for Ukraine. The PM, who chaired yesterday’s meeting alongside Mr Macron, also told those present the group’s military planning was at an advanced stage.
After the virtual meeting wrapped up a Downing Street spokesman said leaders on the call discussed “support for Ukraine and next steps in peace negotiations following President Trump’s meeting with President Putin in Alaska”. They added: “The Leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskyy’s desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC.
“The leaders also commended President Trump’s commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures. They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. “
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