Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy was not present at Friday’s talks but has since landed in the US to speak with Trump today (August 18).
Ahead of their meeting, Trump has outlined two ways Ukraine can end its ongoing conflict with Russia.
He posted on Truth Social yesterday: “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!!!”
Russia invaded Crimea (which was once part of the Soviet Union) and annexed it in 2014. While Russia went on to claim that Crimea was now theirs, many other countries, including America, condemned Russia’s actions.
Tensions have grown between the two countries ever since, and following 2022’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been trying to join NATO.
Shortly after Trump’s post, Zelenskyy shared a tweet in what looked to be a response to the president’s comments.
“I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump,” his tweet began. “Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation.”
Zelenskyy went on: “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East—part of Donbas—and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack.
“Or when Ukraine was given so-called ‘security guarantees’ in 1994, but they didn’t work. Of course, Crimea should not have been given up then, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022.”
The Ukrainian leader continued to state that the country’s soldiers have had ‘successes’ in the Donetsk and Sumy regions.
“I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance,” Zelenskyy further penned.
“Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace. Thank you!”