Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia’s ongoing refusal to agree to a ceasefire is obstructing efforts to end the war, just days ahead of a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
“Russia continues to ignore calls for a ceasefire and shows no sign of ending the bloodshed,” Zelensky stated on social media platform X. He stressed that this stance is making it harder to pursue meaningful peace talks.
President Trump, fresh from a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, announced a shift in strategy, signaling his desire to bypass temporary ceasefires and push instead for a permanent peace agreement. Writing on Truth Social, Trump argued that ceasefires “rarely hold” and that an immediate peace deal would be the “best way to end the horrific war.”
Reports suggest Putin offered Trump a potential peace deal that would require Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region in exchange for Russia freezing its advances in other occupied territories. Trump reportedly shared this proposal with Zelensky during a follow-up call, telling Fox News that Ukraine should “make a deal” given Russia’s strength.
However, Zelensky remains firm on key Ukrainian demands for any peace process, including a full ceasefire, credible security guarantees, and the return of Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia from occupied regions. He has ruled out ceding territory, warning it could encourage further aggression.
The developments have sparked concern across Europe. Diplomatic sources told CBS that European leaders fear Trump may pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that peace must not come at the cost of Ukrainian sovereignty, insisting “international borders must not be changed by force.”
Meanwhile, a coalition of allied nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, plans to meet ahead of Zelensky’s White House visit to discuss coordinated responses. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the progress made, calling Trump’s engagement “a step closer to peace,” but reiterated that Zelensky must be central to any resolution.
Back in Ukraine, reactions have been mixed, with many expressing unease at the optics of the summit. One veteran from Donetsk described feeling “crushed” by the symbolism of the red carpet reception for Putin.
The coming days will be critical as global leaders navigate a complex and tense path toward ending the war.
