Former President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end his country’s war with Russia “almost immediately” if Kyiv agreed to two key concessions: abandoning its effort to join NATO and relinquishing any claim to Crimea.
In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“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!!!”
The remarks came just one day before Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky and European leaders at the White House to discuss next steps in the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
Trump’s comments echo long-standing Russian demands, particularly Moscow’s insistence that Ukraine never be admitted into NATO and its claim over Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in Sunday, telling CBS News’ Face the Nation that any lasting peace deal would require compromises from both sides. “What it’s going to take to stop the fighting, if we’re being honest and serious here, is both sides are going to have to give,” Rubio said.
Putin, speaking during a summit in Alaska last week, demanded that Ukraine surrender the remaining quarter of the Donetsk region as part of a deal to halt the war. Zelensky responded in Brussels, saying Kyiv was open to negotiations but would only consider talks based on the current front lines.
The White House meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and European allies on Monday is expected to focus on the potential terms of a ceasefire and the future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.