As the world watches, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading back to the Oval Office, but this time, the stakes feel higher than ever.
The upcoming meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump is stirring anxiety both in Washington and across Europe, as the two leaders clash over how to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump Pushes Zelensky to Make Big Concessions
On Sunday, Trump publicly called on Zelensky to sacrifice Crimea and abandon Ukraine’s NATO ambitions just hours before their Monday meeting.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Zelensky could “end the war with Russia almost immediately” if he chose to, adding pointed reminders about Crimea and NATO that signaled a hard line.
Zelensky Pushes Back With a Strong Message
Zelensky responded less than 90 minutes later on X, making it clear that peace cannot be unilateral.
“Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” he wrote, emphasizing the ongoing fight for Ukraine’s land and independence.
He highlighted recent Ukrainian military successes in Donetsk and Sumy, underlining that peace cannot come at the expense of territorial integrity.
Crimea Remains a Major Point of Contention
The Ukrainian leader also firmly rejected Trump’s suggestion to compromise on Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Zelensky reflected on past concessions, noting that Ukraine would never again give up key cities like Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv.
“Peace must be lasting, not like years ago when Crimea and parts of Donbas were surrendered,” he wrote, signaling a refusal to repeat history.
Balancing Diplomacy With Gratitude
Despite the tension, Zelensky maintained a diplomatic tone toward Trump and the American people, expressing gratitude for U.S. support.
“Our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance,” he added, striking a delicate balance between firmness and diplomacy.
European Leaders Rally Behind Zelensky
The upcoming White House meeting has also drawn the attention of European leaders.
Officials from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland will accompany Zelensky to Washington, aiming to provide support and prevent a repeat of the heated February encounter when Trump berated Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Memories of a Fraught February Meeting
That previous meeting had escalated quickly. Top Trump advisors reportedly asked Zelensky to leave after the heated exchange, which included the former president criticizing Ukraine’s gratitude and warning of World War III risks.
European officials now hope their presence will help balance the power dynamics and protect Zelensky from a repeat scenario.
Trump Responds to European Involvement
Trump, seemingly unfazed, welcomed the European leaders’ participation, describing it as a “great honor to host them” at the White House on Truth Social.
Analysts like Neil Melvin from the Royal United Services Institute suggest that European leaders are strategically trying to influence the fast-evolving agenda of the talks.
Recent Trump-Putin Summit Adds Complexity
The stakes are further heightened after Trump’s recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
While Trump described the two-and-a-half-hour discussion as “extremely productive,” no agreement was reached, and the focus appears to have shifted toward Putin’s demands that Ukraine avoid NATO and EU membership.
Zelensky Insists on a Ceasefire First
Zelensky continues to push for a step-by-step approach, advocating for a ceasefire before any broader peace negotiations.
He stressed that it’s impossible to negotiate under active bombardment, insisting, “Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must do it.”
The Ukrainian leader is clearly determined to defend his country while seeking a realistic path toward peace.
