Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern that Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire is complicating efforts to end the ongoing war. His comments come ahead of a scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Following a recent summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Zelensky emphasized that halting the violence is crucial for achieving lasting peace. He noted that Russia’s unwillingness to pause hostilities makes it challenging to establish the necessary conditions for a comprehensive peace agreement .
In contrast, President Trump has shifted his stance, now advocating for a direct peace agreement without a prior ceasefire. During the Alaska summit, Trump reportedly agreed with Putin’s position that a full peace deal should be pursued immediately, rather than starting with a ceasefire . This approach aligns with Russia’s demands, including the cession of the Donbas region to Moscow .
Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of conceding territory without binding security guarantees, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. European leaders have also expressed concerns, insisting that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s borders and include strong security assurances .
As Zelensky prepares to meet with Trump, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are expected to join the discussions to ensure that Ukraine’s interests are adequately represented in the peace negotiations .
The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and the prospects for a lasting peace in the region.()