Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and several European leaders, affirming that all parties are seeking a swift end to the war and a lasting peace. President Trump described the event as a “big day” at the White House.
Zelensky wrote on social media, “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably.” He added, “I’m grateful to the President of the United States for the invitation, and I hope that our joint strength with America and our European friends will compel Russia to pursue genuine peace.”
Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Trump today, Monday, at the White House, alongside European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Secretary General of NATO, and several other prominent figures.
On the other hand, Trump asserted that his Ukrainian counterpart is capable of ending the war with Russia “immediately,” though he ruled out the possibility of Ukraine regaining Crimea or joining NATO.
Trump wrote on his platform, “Truth Social”: “President Zelensky of Ukraine could end the war with Russia almost immediately if he wanted to—or he could continue fighting.” He added, “No recovery of Crimea, which Obama gave away 12 years ago without firing a single shot, and no NATO membership for Ukraine.”
Early Monday, Trump also said that the day would be a “big one” at the White House, which is hosting a number of European leaders to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.
In a series of posts on “Truth Social,” Trump wrote, “Big day at the White House. We’ve never hosted this many European leaders at once. It’s a great honor for me to welcome them!”
He continued: “Fake news will say that hosting this many great European leaders in our beautiful White House is a big loss for President Trump. In reality, it’s a great honor for America.”
He concluded, “A year ago, the United States was a nearly dead country. Now, we’re the envy of everyone. What a difference a president can make.”