Zelensky rejects Trump’s suggestion to surrender Crimea and NATO bid to end war 'almost immediately'

WASHINGTON, DC: On Sunday, President Donald Trump proposed that Ukraine could achieve peace by relinquishing Crimea and abandoning its aspirations to join NATO.

“President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote on Truth Social at 9:20 pm. “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!!!”

Zelensky pushes back on Trump's solution for Ukraine peace

Within 90 minutes, Zelensky fired back on X, making it clear he wasn’t buying Trump’s proposal. “Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” Zelensky wrote, rejecting the idea that Ukraine should surrender territory.

“Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence. Now, our soldiers have successes in Donetsk and Sumy regions,” he added.

And he wasn’t moving on Crimea either.

“We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting,” Zelensky said. “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. Of course, Crimea should not have been given up then, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022.”

Still, Zelensky kept a diplomatic tone when addressing Trump directly. “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,” he said.

European leaders join Zelensky in Washington ahead of Trump meeting

Unlike his solo February visit that ended in humiliation, Zelensky is showing up this time with support. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will all be in Washington to stand beside him.

Neil Melvin of the Royal United Services Institute noted that European leaders are trying to “shape this fast-evolving agenda.”

Trump, however, appeared unfazed by the European show of strength. “Big day at the White House tomorrow,” he posted on Truth Social. “Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”

He also took a preemptive swipe at the press. “The Fake News will say that it is a big loss for President Trump to host so many great European Leaders at our beautiful White House. Actually, it is a great honor for America!!!”

The schedule is tight. Leaders begin arriving at noon EST. Trump and Zelensky meet at 1 pm, followed by a bilateral session at 1:15. By 3 pm, Trump will host multilateral meetings with the full EU delegation.

This showdown comes just days after Trump’s lengthy huddle with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. While that meeting did not deliver a breakthrough, Trump insisted it was still progress. “We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to. We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” he said afterwards.

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