Could the war in Ukraine end today—or is Zelensky daring the world to wait?
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stunned international observers this weekend by rejecting Donald Trump’s proposed peace terms with Russia—just hours after the former U.S. president laid them out publicly.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, claimed Zelensky “can end the war almost immediately, if he wants to,” adding that the path to peace would involve no reclaiming Crimea and no NATO membership for Ukraine.
But Zelensky was quick to respond on X, making it clear that he will not bend to Moscow’s demands—or Trump’s conditions. “Not Ukraine, but Russia must end this war, which it itself started,” he declared. “And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace.”
The Ukrainian leader emphasized his commitment to defending every inch of Ukrainian soil, stating, “Crimea should not have been given up then, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kiev, Odessa, or Kharkov after 2022.”
While Crimea officially joined Russia following a 2014 referendum, Zelensky’s stance makes it clear that any settlement that ignores Ukrainian sovereignty is off the table.
Despite the rejection, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the White House invitation and highlighted shared goals with Trump, insisting that both leaders want to “end this war quickly and reliably.”
Zelensky arrives in Washington on the heels of a tense Alaska summit where Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated the desire to resolve the conflict. Moscow insists that Ukraine must renounce NATO ambitions, demilitarize, and accept current territorial realities, including Crimea and the four eastern regions—Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye—that voted to join Russia in 2022.
With the stakes higher than ever, the world watches as Zelensky takes a hard line, defying pressure from both sides and making it clear: peace won’t come at the cost of Ukrainian sovereignty.
About the Author
______________________________________________
Help Keep Independent Journalism Alive & Support a Senior
Even a small contribution to my GoFundMe helps me continue this work and get a used car to stay mobile.
