Trump Tells Zelensky to Make a Deal With Russia As Ukraine War Drags On
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky leaves Washington without long-range Tomahawk missiles after US President Donald Trump urges a diplomatic resolution.
Key Highlights
- Trump’s Message: US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a settlement with Russia instead of focusing on obtaining long-range Tomahawk missiles.
- Shift in US Position: Previously, Trump indicated he believed Ukraine could reclaim all its territory. After agreeing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a new summit, Trump signaled a preference for diplomacy over further military escalation.
- Zelensky’s Statement: Zelensky told NBC that while Trump did not approve the Tomahawk request immediately, he left open the possibility of reconsideration. He noted that Russia fears the US-made long-range missiles but he remained realistic about receiving them.
Trump-Zelensky Meeting
- The leaders met at the White House, where Trump emphasized that both Ukraine and Russia should “stop right now at the battle line”.
- Trump posted on social media: “It’s time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL! Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
- Zelensky highlighted that discussions on long-range weapons were avoided to prevent escalation.
Diplomatic Context
- Zelensky visited Washington after weeks of requesting Tomahawks, hoping to leverage Trump’s reported frustration with Putin following a stalled Alaska summit.
- Trump expressed optimism about reaching a diplomatic solution, citing a recent Middle East peace deal in Gaza as a model.
- Discussions included the possibility of swapping Ukrainian drones for Tomahawks, though no agreements were finalized.
Challenges Ahead
- Diplomatic talks have stalled since the Alaska summit, with multiple issues still unresolved.
- The Kremlin indicated that several questions must be clarified before a Trump-Putin summit, including team composition and logistics.
- Hungary assured that Putin could enter the US safely for talks despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Background
- Trump’s stance on Ukraine has shifted multiple times during his second term, from criticizing Zelensky to opening dialogue channels with Putin.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, starting February 2022, continues, with the Kremlin now controlling roughly a fifth of Ukrainian territory.
- Recent Russian advances include capturing three villages in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky underscores the US leader’s preference for diplomacy over military escalation, leaving Ukraine to navigate a complex path between securing advanced weapons and pursuing a negotiated settlement.
