Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set firm expectations ahead of Monday’s crucial meeting with Donald Trump. In a direct post on X, he outlined Ukraine’s non-negotiable conditions for ending the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy declared, “We must achieve real peace—not another temporary pause between Russian invasions.” He emphasized stopping all fighting on land, in the skies, and at sea. He urged immediate protection for civilian infrastructure, especially ports.
Zelenskyy also demanded Russia release all prisoners and abducted children. He said Russian forces still hold thousands of Ukrainians captive. He urged Ukraine to keep pressuring Russia until it ends its aggression.
Shortly before Zelenskyy’s statement, Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. They discussed ways to resolve the war, now in its fourth year. During the meeting, Trump dropped his previous calls for a ceasefire.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “We must achieve real peace through a full agreement, not a fragile ceasefire.” He added that if his meeting with Zelenskyy succeeds, he will schedule a three-way summit with Putin.
Trump hinted that millions of lives could be saved if negotiations go as planned. He will host Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday for the first time since their controversial February meeting. That visit ended with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful,” causing a minerals deal to collapse.
Zelenskyy warned of possible Russian escalation ahead of the Washington meeting. He said, “Russia may increase strikes to gain leverage during these talks.” He called Russia’s tactics deceptive and dangerous.
European leaders, meanwhile, also held talks with Trump after his meeting with Putin. While backing his peace initiative, they insisted on strong security guarantees for Ukraine. They issued a statement supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and opposing territorial concessions.
Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen said, “Ukraine controls its land and chooses its future.” They added, “Real peace must be achieved without giving in to Russia’s aggression.”
The leaders rejected all limits on Ukraine’s military and foreign alliances. They pledged full support for Ukraine’s path to EU and NATO membership. They warned Russia that only strength and unity can guarantee that real peace must be achieved.
Trump said, “Zelenskyy must get it done,” and confirmed that European leaders will help push for a solution. He delivered that message during a Fox News interview before flying back to Washington. People worldwide now watch these talks unfold. Ukraine’s future depends on whether leaders prove that real peace must be achieved.
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