Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO and will not regain Crimea, just hours before hosting President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for peace talks in Washington.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform on Sunday night, the US President claimed Zelensky could “end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.” He added: “No getting back Obama-given Crimea, and no going into NATO by Ukraine.”
The remarks came ahead of Monday’s high-level White House meeting, following Trump’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
War and its Origins
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. However, tensions trace back to 2014, when Moscow illegally annexed Crimea in an operation that left several dead, including Ukrainian warrant officer Serhii Kokurin, killed by a Russian sniper.
The question of NATO membership has remained central to the conflict. Putin has repeatedly opposed Ukraine’s accession, blaming it for his decision to invade. Since returning to office in January, the Trump administration has echoed parts of Moscow’s position, saying that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is a “realistic objective,” but ruling out NATO membership in any negotiated settlement.
NATO’s Position
The stance contradicts that of NATO members, who have consistently reaffirmed Ukraine’s future in the alliance and supported what they call Kyiv’s “irreversible path” towards full integration.
Zelensky Responds
Zelensky did not directly address Trump’s comments but confirmed his arrival in Washington on Sunday evening, thanking the US President for the invitation.
“We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting,” he said. The Ukrainian leader also referred to past compromises, noting occasions when Kyiv had been “forced to give up Crimea and part of our East.”
The talks in Washington are expected to focus on possible routes towards ending the war, though Trump’s remarks underline deep divisions over Ukraine’s future.
