Trump outlines conditions for ending Russia Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump on Sunday (August 17, 2025) declared that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could end the Russia-Ukraine war “almost immediately” if he agreed to two key concessions.
In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump said Ukraine should abandon its efforts to join NATO and accept Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. “President Zelenskyy 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!!!” Trump wrote.
His remarks came just two days after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where both leaders promised “robust security guarantees” for Ukraine but failed to agree on a ceasefire.
White House summit with Zelenskyy and EU leaders
Trump’s comments set the stage for a high-profile summit in Washington scheduled for Monday (August 18). Zelenskyy, who arrived in the US on Sunday night, will meet Trump one-on-one before joining discussions with European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are also expected to attend. The gathering is being described as one of the largest European delegations hosted at the White House in recent years.
Announcing the summit on Truth Social, Trump said: “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”
Zelenskyy thanks US, reiterates call for lasting peace
In a post on X, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Washington and underlined his goal of a reliable peace deal. “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly rejected territorial concessions and insists that Crimea and occupied regions remain part of Ukraine. His Washington visit is expected to test whether he is willing to consider Trump’s proposed compromises.
Fallout from Trump-Putin Alaska summit
Trump’s meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday lasted nearly three hours. While both leaders described the talks as “productive,” the summit ended without concrete steps toward a ceasefire.
“There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump told reporters afterward, noting “progress on many points” but admitting one “most significant” issue remained unresolved. Putin described the talks as “constructive,” saying Kyiv was just one of several topics. He also mentioned cooperation on trade, Arctic exploration, and space.
The two leaders left without holding a joint press conference, refusing to take questions from the media. Analysts say the absence of Zelenskyy at the Alaska talks has heightened tensions, as it suggested Trump and Putin may be trying to dictate terms without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
Stakes for Ukraine and Europe
The upcoming White House summit could shape the next phase of the three-and-a-half-year war. While Trump has floated concessions, European leaders are expected to push for a settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.
NATO allies remain divided on whether Ukraine should be offered a clear path to membership or pressured into neutrality. Accepting Russia’s control of Crimea would mark a dramatic reversal of Western policy since 2014.
For Zelenskyy, the challenge will be balancing his domestic stance—firmly against territorial concessions—with mounting pressure from Washington. The meeting could decide whether the conflict moves toward a negotiated peace or continues on the battlefield.