Washington — US President Donald Trump has openly pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to “end the war with Russia almost immediately,” a remark that underscores a dramatic shift in American posture toward the conflict. As Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for talks, Trump’s framing placed the burden of ending the Russian Ukraine war squarely on Kyiv, rather than Moscow, raising alarm among European leaders who fear such rhetoric paves the way for concessions favoring the Kremlin.
Trump’s insistence that Ukraine could conclude the war “in a matter of days” was paired with stark conditions. He categorically ruled out the return of Crimea to Ukraine. He dismissed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, two red lines that Moscow has demanded from the outset of the invasion. By declaring these issues off the table, Trump positioned the United States closer to Russia’s negotiating posture, alarming allies who see this as a dangerous erosion of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The timing of Trump’s remarks is particularly significant, as seven European leaders joined Zelenskyy in Washington to demonstrate solidarity. European capitals, from Berlin to Warsaw, have repeatedly warned against premature settlements that could leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed Russian aggression. The gathering was meant to reinforce Ukraine’s demand for long-term security guarantees, but Trump’s words risked casting doubt on America’s reliability as a partner in the war effort.
European leaders responded with notable firmness, signaling that they would not endorse any peace framework that forces Ukraine into territorial concessions. Their position reflects a broader fear across the continent: that an American-brokered deal prioritizing speed over justice could embolden Russia and destabilize Europe’s security architecture for decades. The unity on display in Washington appeared aimed at counterbalancing Trump’s pressure campaign, ensuring that Zelenskyy would not be cornered into accepting terms dictated by Moscow.
Zelenskyy himself rejected the premise that Ukraine held the power to simply “end the war.” In public remarks, he reiterated that the responsibility rests with Russia to stop its aggression and withdraw troops. His message reflected not only Kyiv’s position but also a growing divide between how Washington under Trump and European capitals view the path forward. For Ukraine, conceding Crimea or abandoning its NATO aspirations would not only undermine its sovereignty but also reward Russia’s illegal annexations and war crimes.
According to CNN, Trump framed his message around speed, saying Zelenskyy could halt the war “almost immediately” if he accepted compromises. The network highlighted that Trump’s emphasis marked a departure from Washington’s earlier approach of aligning fully with Kyiv’s territorial demands and defense ambitions. His remarks represent a recalibration that critics argue risks legitimizing Russia’s land grabs.
According to The Guardian, Trump explicitly dismissed Ukraine’s reclaiming of Crimea and its NATO bid, labeling both as “non-starters.” The report emphasized how closely these positions mirror the Kremlin’s red lines, raising concerns in European capitals that Washington might now prioritize cutting a deal over defending Ukrainian sovereignty. European leaders gathering in Washington underscored that sacrificing these principles could set a disastrous precedent for other authoritarian regimes.
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Trump’s comments came just hours before he was due to host a summit of seven European leaders, a gathering meant to rally transatlantic unity. Instead, Trump’s framing put Zelenskyy on the defensive, implicitly suggesting that Ukraine’s leadership was the obstacle to peace rather than Russia’s invasion. By shifting the narrative, Trump not only challenged Zelenskyy but also forced European allies to stake out firmer positions in support of Kyiv.
