Trump claims Zelenskyy can end the war with Russia now
- Trump indicated that Zelenskyy could cease hostilities with Russia by accepting specific terms.
- The meeting in Washington included multiple European leaders supporting Ukraine's position.
- Trump's remarks are intended to place pressure on Zelenskyy to negotiate a peace deal.
In August 2025, amidst ongoing tensions in Ukraine, Donald Trump asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had the ability to end the war with Russia 'almost immediately' by agreeing to specific terms. These claims were made just before a scheduled meeting in Washington, D.C., where Zelenskyy was to gather with several European leaders to discuss strategies regarding the ongoing conflict. Trump's comments created significant pressure on Zelenskyy and were intended to influence the discussions during this upcoming high-level meeting. Formerly, Trump had a contentious relationship with Zelenskyy, having been criticized for pressuring Ukraine on several occasions. As the European leaders prepared to show their support for Ukraine, they highlighted their solidarity in approaching the peace talks with Russia. This meeting aimed to address Zelenskyy's longstanding ambition for NATO membership, which Trump has ruled out as part of any peace agreement. European leaders traveling to Washington included figures from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. This gathering aimed to unify positions against Russian aggression while bolstering Ukraine's military and EU ambitions. The divergent stances on international law from European leaders and Trump's push for concessions may complicate the negotiation process, which has already faced numerous roadblocks, particularly from Russia. Also approached was the concept of territory swaps, a potential sticking point for Zelenskyy, as his constitutional policies currently prohibit such actions. Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding the assistance from European allies and the U.S. during these negotiations. With Russian leadership showing a willingness to negotiate terms, a complicated dance of diplomacy continued. As leaders discussed the terms of peace, Trump seemed focused on reaching a final agreement without preconditions of a ceasefire, indicating a preference for an active resolution rather than temporary halts to hostilities, which have historically proven unstable.