Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former President Donald Trump at the White House, advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed confidence, stating, "I am sure that with your help, we can stop this war. " He commended Trump for his role in the Gaza peace agreement, suggesting it could build "momentum" for ending the war in Ukraine.
Conditions for a Ceasefire
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire but highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin's apparent unwillingness for peace. "We've to sit down and talk. We need a ceasefire. We want a ceasefire – Putin doesn't want it," Zelenskyy stated. He sought bilateral security guarantees from President Trump, deeming them "very important" for Ukraine's future.
Stance on NATO Membership
When questioned about potentially foregoing NATO membership to end the war, Zelenskyy affirmed that NATO membership is a critical issue for the Ukrainian people. He stressed that the decision rests with Ukraine and its allies, and that security guarantees are paramount for its citizens facing attacks.
Trump on Missile Capabilities
Donald Trump, during the meeting, also brought up Tomahawk cruise missiles. He explicitly stated that he and Zelenskyy plan to discuss new military capabilities that would allow Ukraine to strike deep within Russia, while when asked by journalists if these new capabilities would be discussed, Trump responded, "We're going to talk about it. It's certainly an important issue and it will be part of the conversation. " Trump lauded Zelenskyy's resilience and leadership throughout the conflict, noting Ukraine's unwavering stance in difficult circumstances, while these remarks are seen as crucial for US-Ukraine relations and as a potential strategy to exert pressure on Russia.
