Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday made a new call for Russia to stop its war, expressing hope that tight cooperation with the United States and other European allies could persuade Moscow to negotiate a real peace treaty.
His statement came as he arrived in Washington for a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he was joined by a number of senior European leaders. The talks are likely to focus on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and anxiety that Kyiv could be pressured into concessions over Moscow's demands.
Declaring his arrival on X, Zelensky posted: "I have already arrived in Washington. Tomorrow, I am meeting with President Trump, and we will also be speaking with European leaders. I'm thankful to POTUS for the invitation. We all have a strong wish to finish this war quickly and safely. And that peace must be durable."
He warned against revisiting previous errors: "Not like it was all those years ago, when Ukraine had to surrender Crimea and part of our East—part of Donbas—and Putin just used it as a launching pad for a new offensive. Or when Ukraine was promised so-called 'security guarantees' in 1994, which did not work out. Of course, Crimea should never have been surrendered—just like Ukrainians didn't surrender Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022."
Referring to recent battlefield gains, Zelensky stated: "Now, our forces are achieving triumphs in the Donetsk and Sumy oblasts. I have no doubt we will defend Ukraine, successfully ensure security, and that our citizens will always remain thankful to President Trump, all people in America, and all partners and allies for the support and precious help received."
He added: "Russia needs to end this war, which it initiated. And I hope our combined strength with America, with our European allies, will compel Russia towards a genuine peace."
Trump wrote on Truth Social on the eve of the summit: "Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European leaders in one session. My great honor to have them as guests!"
Some of the leaders who are with Zelensky include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
European officials have expressed concern that Trump may pressure Zelensky to consider concessions in accordance with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands at their recent Alaska summit. They included requests for Kyiv to give up Crimea and drop any attempt to join NATO.
For their part, leaders from Europe stated that the Washington talks would be employed to establish U.S. intentions and to present a solid peace framework that offers Ukraine permanent security guarantees.
French President Emmanuel Macron put the stakes in focus, cautioning: "If we are weak today before Russia, we are paving the way to new wars." He and the other European leaders, who had a prep "coalition of the willing" video conference before traveling to Washington, emphasized the necessity of a lasting peace grounded in respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Berlin reiterated the same, commenting in a government statement that summit agenda comprises long-term security assurances, border issues, and ongoing military and economic aid. "This also involves exerting pressure through sanctions," the statement added.
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