Donald Trump’s late-night post on social media has sparked a sharp response from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders are set to meet in Washington today, just days after Trump’s talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without a peace deal.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Ukraine could end the war with Russia “almost immediately” by giving up NATO membership and recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. He insisted progress had been made with Putin, despite no agreement.
I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2025
Zelenskyy quickly countered in a statement on X. “We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting,” he wrote. He warned against repeating past mistakes, such as surrendering Crimea or relying on failed security guarantees.
“Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” Zelenskyy added. He praised Ukrainian soldiers for recent successes and thanked the U.S. and allies for continued support.
Two leaders, one war, and very different visions for peace—leaving the world asking: what happens next?
