Trump Urges Zelensky to End War with Russia Before Key Summit

President Donald Trump asserted on March 3, 2024, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could swiftly conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia by making two significant concessions. In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.” He emphasized that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and accept Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which occurred in 2014 during the Obama administration.

Trump’s comments come just ahead of a crucial summit scheduled for March 4, 2024, at the White House. Zelensky is expected to meet with Trump and several European leaders to discuss the next steps in the conflict that has lasted over three years. Earlier on Sunday, Trump expressed his anticipation for the meeting, stating, “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Zelensky took to social media to express gratitude to the United States for its support while underscoring the importance of lasting peace. He noted, “I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders.” Zelensky further criticized past concessions, arguing that surrendering Crimea enabled future aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He tweeted, “And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea… and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack.”

Zelensky also highlighted recent Ukrainian military successes in the Donetsk and Sumy regions, stating, “Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence.” He expressed confidence that Ukraine will continue to defend itself effectively and emphasized the need for comprehensive support from international allies.

Leading up to the meeting, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, indicated that any sustainable peace agreement would necessitate hard compromises from both Russia and Ukraine. In an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Rubio stated, “What it’s going to take to stop the fighting… is both sides are going to have to give, and both sides should expect to get something from this.” He acknowledged the challenges, recognizing Ukraine’s justified feelings of being harmed due to the invasion.

Trump amplified the notion of territorial concessions by reposting comments on Truth Social that suggested Ukraine might need to relinquish some territories to reach a peace agreement. Reports indicate that during a recent summit in Alaska, Putin demanded that Ukraine surrender the remaining quarter of Donetsk, a region rich in minerals, as part of a potential deal to halt hostilities.

While Zelensky has expressed openness to “land swaps” for peace, he firmly rejected any demand for the complete cession of Donetsk, including areas currently held by Ukraine. “We need real negotiations, which means they can start where the front line is now,” he stated. Zelensky emphasized the current situation, noting that Russia has struggled to gain ground in the Donetsk region for over a decade.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has managed to maintain control of key cities such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. As the ongoing war continues, concerns remain about the implications of conceding territory to Russia. Critics warn that handing over strategically fortified regions could embolden further aggression from the Kremlin in the future.

As the White House meeting approaches, the stakes are high, with both leaders under pressure to find a resolution that not only brings an end to the fighting but also secures a sustainable peace for Ukraine.