The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is all set to take place in the Oval Office today. The two presidents will also meet the European leaders later for a discussion aiming towards finding a way to end the long-standing Russia-Ukraine war.
before the meeting, Trump dismissed the possibility of Ukraine reclaiming Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 or joining NATO. However, he stated that Zelenskyy could end the war more quickly.
ALSO READ: Zelensky Reaches the US to Meet Trump
“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!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Schedule of the Meeting
09:30 pm: European leaders arrive at the White House.
10:30 pm: Trump greets Zelenskyy
10:45 pm: Trump-Zelenskyy bilateral talks
11:45 pm: Trump meets European leaders
Midnight: Joint Photo Session
12:30 am: Multilateral meeting with EU leaders.
ALSO READ: Trump to Zelenskyy: Peace Within Reach, But NATO Must Go
Zelenskyy called for ending the war and stressed the sneed for a durable peace. He stated, “…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…Russia must end this war, which it itself started.”
The relationship between Ukraine and the United States faced strains since US President Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for being ungrateful to the United States earlier this year. This marks Zelenskyy’s first visit to the Oval Office after the conflict.
