US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky met behind closed doors at the White House, where they discussed the war in Ukraine, possible peace and further military aid.
In their opening address to the press, the two leaders exchanged compliments. Zelensky praised Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire in the Middle East, while Trump said he would discuss new military capabilities that would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia.
Trump did not directly answer whether Ukraine should cede some territory as part of a peace settlement. He refused to take sides on who is a better negotiator – Ukraine or Russia.
He stated that the war in Ukraine should end now, according to the current principles, and that both sides should be declared the winners.
– Enough blood has been spilled, and the boundaries of ownership have been defined by war. They should stop where they are – Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after the end of the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
– Let both declare victory, let history decide! No more shootings, no more deaths, no more huge and unsustainable sums of money spent – emphasized Trump.
Zelensky proposed a possible exchange – Ukrainian drones for American Tomahawk missiles. Trump was cautious, warning that such a move could lead to escalation.
Trump acknowledged that Putin may be “buying time” to achieve his goals, but said that talks between the US and Russia would be held in Budapest, while he would remain in contact with Zelensky.
Zelensky said that security guarantees are crucial for Ukraine and emphasized the need for direct talks with Putin.
– We want peace, but Putin does not. That’s why pressure is needed – he said.
Zelensky added that American energy companies are ready to help repair the damage after the attack on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
(Vijesti.ba)
