Trump claims Zelensky could end the Ukraine war quickly if he wanted. He asserts that reclaiming Crimea and joining NATO are off the table.

Washington: US President Donald Trump stated early Monday on his Truth Social account that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has the option to end the ongoing war with Russia "almost immediately" if he chooses to do so. However, Trump emphasised that reclaiming Russian-occupied Crimea or Ukraine joining NATO are not viable options.
Trump posted, "President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight," ahead of a White House meeting involving Zelensky and European leaders.
He further added, "No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!"
Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with US President Donald Trump on Monday at the White House for the first time since their dramatic and confrontational Oval Office meeting in February. This high-profile session will also include European leaders and focus on strategies to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
With inputs from AFP
Published: 18 Aug 2025, 07:59 am IST
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