Trump Calls on Zelenskyy to Pursue Peace, Bars Crimea Return and NATO Membership for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider a peace deal with Russia, claiming Ukraine could end the war almost immediately if it chose to do so. Speaking on Truth Social, Trump also ruled out the return of Crimea—annexed by Russia in 2014—and Ukraine’s entry into NATO, issues long opposed by Moscow.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight… No getting back Obama-given Crimea, and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!” Trump wrote.
Trump referenced Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, which followed the ousting of a pro-Russian Ukrainian president who rejected an EU association deal. Russia cited the protection of ethnic Russians and strategic interests, and completed Crimea’s legal integration by March 21.
Trump is set to host Zelenskyy and several European leaders in Washington on Monday, calling it a historic gathering of international leaders. He has consistently advocated for a peace deal that ensures a long-term resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire, following his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Trump also highlighted Russia’s offer to freeze front lines if Ukraine ceded Donetsk—a proposal Zelenskyy declined—and stressed the need for Ukraine to carefully consider its options against a major power.
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