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President Donald Trump posted on social media yesterday that Ukraine could end the war if President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to a peace deal that removes NATO membership and any claim to Crimea. Trump presented those terms ahead of meetings in Washington with Zelensky and visiting European leaders. He argued that these steps would allow an “almost immediate” end to the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that “there is no getting back Crimea” and “NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE.” He added that Zelensky “can end the war almost immediately.” The timing of his comments underscored the stakes as the Ukrainian president is scheduled to visit the White House today to meet with his American counterpart.
The White House and European Positions on Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to temper expectations, saying progress exists but “we’re not at the precipice of a peace agreement.” He stressed that both Kyiv and Moscow would need to make concessions. Rubio also pointed to U.S. discussions with allies about providing NATO-like security guarantees short of membership.
European leaders arrived in Washington to reinforce unity after Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their public stance is that Ukraine must be supported without conceding sovereignty. The meetings signal that Europe aims to prevent a deal that cements Russia’s hold over captured territory.
Ukraine and Russia Respond to Trump’s Peace Deal Proposal
Zelensky has said any peace agreement must be lasting and come with real guarantees “on land, in the air and at sea.” His comments highlight Ukraine’s reluctance to accept territorial loss in return for promises. Even without immediate NATO membership, he continues to seek firm Western backing against future Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, Moscow welcomed Trump’s rejection of NATO expansion for Ukraine, with Russian officials viewing that position as a long-standing priority. At the same time, Russian forces continue strikes across Ukraine, which suggests that the Kremlin is unlikely to ease pressure even as peace terms are discussed.
The Core Peace Deal Trade-Off
The outline of the Russia-Ukraine peace deal talks suggests a ceasefire linked to Western-backed security guarantees, even as NATO membership remains suspended for Ukraine and Crimea remains under Russian control. Critics warn that such an arrangement may repeat past ceasefires that collapsed when Moscow pressed for more. In contrast, supporters argue that agreeing to Trump’s peace deal proposal could halt a costly war if the guarantees prove enforceable.
European governments are using the Washington visit to stress that any settlement must protect Ukraine’s independence. As such, the most difficult issue remains Crimea, even with Trump declaring it permanently lost and Kyiv refusing to accept its annexation as legitimate. Whether those positions can be reconciled will determine if a peace deal is possible.
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