Trump Warns Ukraine Can't Join NATO or Retake Crimea Before Key Talks

Trump's Pressure on Zelensky and the Complexities of Peace Talks

As crucial discussions loom at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that the conflict with Russia could end almost immediately if Zelensky chooses to do so. In a post on his TruthSocial account, Trump emphasized that Ukraine would not be admitted into NATO and that Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, would not be returned as part of any peace deal.

“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote. He further remarked, “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!!!”

This statement reflects a broader stance from Trump, who has consistently opposed Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. One of Moscow’s primary demands has been an assurance that Ukraine will not join the NATO military alliance. This issue remains central to the ongoing negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.

Zelensky, who has arrived in Washington, expressed hope that Ukraine’s “shared strength” with the U.S. and European counterparts will compel Russia to pursue peace. “I am grateful to the president of the United States for the invitation. We all equally want to end this war swiftly and reliably,” Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app after arriving in Washington late on Sunday. He added, “And I hope that our shared strength with America and with our European friends will compel Russia to real peace.”

Earlier on Sunday, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to the possibility of the U.S. offering Article 5-like protection to Ukraine. This was described as “the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that.” Such a move could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict, though its implications remain unclear.

In a show of unity, Sir Keir Starmer, along with six other European leaders, is set to travel to Washington DC for the talks. The aim is to ensure that Ukraine does not have to submit to Russian land grabs as a price for peace. European leaders have welcomed U.S. commitments to providing security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for American support.

Among those joining Sir Keir are France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Alexander Stubb, president of Finland. NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also attending the discussions.

Zelensky is expected to face calls from Trump to concede to full Russian control of Donetsk and Luhansk, two mineral-rich regions of Ukraine that are largely occupied by Putin’s forces. In exchange, Russia is reportedly willing to withdraw its forces from other parts of Ukraine and accept a NATO-like guarantee that Ukraine would be protected from further incursions.

The European leaders have stated that it is up to Ukraine to decide how it wishes to end the war, and they have praised Zelensky’s commitment to a peace that is both “just and lasting.” Zelensky has previously insisted that he cannot negotiate Russia’s demands while his country is still engaged in a war, stating that “everyone agrees” borders “must not be changed by force.”

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 1:15pm ET (6:15pm BST), according to a statement from the White House. Trump will participate in a multilateral meeting with European leaders visiting Washington shortly after, at 3pm.

In another post on TruthSocial, Trump wrote: “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”