Chicago Monday, August 18th, 2025
US President Donald Trump has told Ukraine to give up its hopes of reclaiming Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and joining NATO. This comes as Trump prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington to push for a peace deal with Russia. The meeting is aimed at ending Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Trump’s comments have put pressure on Zelenskiy to accept a deal, with the US President stressing that Ukraine must make compromises. However, European leaders are flying to Washington to show solidarity with Ukraine and push for strong security guarantees in any post-war settlement. This includes leaders from Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO.
The meeting is crucial, as Ukraine and Russia have been at war since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Trump’s team has emphasized the need for compromises on both sides, but the burden is on Zelenskiy to end the war. With tensions running high, the outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by the international community.
