Donald Trump has expressed a desire to move past a ceasefire in Ukraine, aiming for a direct and permanent peace agreement following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US president stated on Truth Social that such a move would be “the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine”, noting that ceasefires often fail. Trump plans to host Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday, urging him to accept a peace deal.
After a call with Trump, Zelensky emphasized the need for a genuine, lasting peace, asserting that “the fire must cease” and the killings need to stop. Trump’s latest comments mark a significant change, considering his previous call for a rapid ceasefire just before the summit. Ukraine has consistently demanded a swift ceasefire before any long-term discussions, and Trump reportedly informed European leaders that his summit objective was securing a ceasefire.
Putin is said to have presented Trump with a peace proposal, asking Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region in return for Russia halting military advances in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and later launched a full-scale invasion, claiming the Donbas as its territory while controlling most of Luhansk and 70% of Donetsk. Trump, who has mentioned territory swapping as part of any peace deal, allegedly discussed this offer with Zelensky.
Recently, Zelensky ruled out yielding control of Donbas, fearing it could facilitate future Russian aggression. European diplomats, as reported by CBS, expressed concerns that Trump might press Zelensky into accepting terms potentially agreed during the summit. Although Trump mentioned that Putin might offer “some concessions”, he did not clarify what those might be.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump advised the Ukrainian leader to “make a deal”, commenting on Russia’s power compared to Ukraine’s. Trump formerly threatened severe consequences if Putin refused to end the war, setting a deadline for a ceasefire or face new sanctions.
Though no concrete deal emerged from the summit, Trump claimed progress. Putin called the summit “very useful”, highlighting the chance to express Russia’s perspective. A “coalition of the willing”, including the UK, France, and Germany, plans a call on Sunday before Zelensky’s White House visit.
European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz support further talks involving Zelensky, insisting that Ukraine’s territorial decisions rest with its government. They are prepared to sustain pressure on Russia, condemning any forced territorial changes.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer applauded Trump’s peace efforts, noting historic cooperation levels. He stressed the importance of inclusive talks with Zelensky, asserting that peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without him. Meanwhile, scenes from Alaska have left Ukrainians feeling “crushed”, as veteran Serhii Orlyk criticized the ceremonial reception given to Putin.