Trump Pushes Zelenskyy to Accept Two of Putin's Conditions Before Their Meeting

In a controversial move on the eve of his crucial talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a large delegation of European leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump laid out the message he intends to convey to his White House visitors: Ukraine must agree to some of Russia's conditions to end the war.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote: "President Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wanted to, or he can continue to fight." He added, referencing the start of the conflict: "Remember how the war started. No Obama giving away Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and no Ukraine joining NATO. Some things never change!!!"

The Two Russian Conditions Promoted by Trump

Trump's post highlights the immense pressure Zelenskyy will face. Trump suggests that ending the war hinges on accepting two key conditions previously put forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin:

1. Ceding Crimea: The peninsula was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, and Trump sees it as a necessary part of a peace settlement.

2. Agreeing not to join NATO: This has long been a fundamental condition demanded by Russia to end the conflict.

European leaders accompanying Zelenskyy are concerned that Trump will press the Ukrainian leader to accept these very conditions, which Putin raised during their summit last week in Alaska. The European delegations hope to gain more clarity from Trump on what concessions Russia might offer in return, and what role the U.S. will play in providing future security guarantees for Ukraine.

In a follow-up message, Trump expressed his honor in hosting "so many European leaders at once," calling it "a great honor."