Trump Opposes Ukraine's Crimea Claim, NATO Bid Amid EU Talks

[CharlieH]

 

US president’s comments may prove a setback for Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he flies to US for crucial Oval Office meeting in wake of Alaska summit

 

 

Ahead of crucial talks in Washington, US President Donald Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that Zelenskyy could swiftly end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

 

Trump asserted that Ukraine would not join NATO or reclaim Crimea as part of any negotiations with Moscow.

 

Trump shared these assertions on Truth Social shortly before a meeting at the White House with European leaders, including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Zelenskyy. He suggested that Ukraine could cease hostilities "almost immediately" but warned against pursuing NATO membership or attempting to retake Crimea.

 

These comments could unsettle European diplomats, who are keen to support Ukraine's sovereignty and security. During Zelenskyy’s previous White House visit, he faced criticism from Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, who accused him of being ungrateful towards American support.

 

Arriving in Washington, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of solidarity with the US and European partners to compel Russia toward peace. "I am grateful to the president of the United States for the invitation. We all equally want to end this war swiftly and reliably," Zelenskyy stated on Telegram.

 

Before Trump’s comments, Zelenskyy was tasked with mitigating the damage to Ukraine’s security prospects following Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska. The meeting was viewed as a win for Putin and a setback for the US, with Trump claiming "big progress" on Russia without providing specifics.

 

European leaders intend to reaffirm their support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and oppose any land-swap plans that might reward Russian aggression. They also seek clarity on what security guarantees the US might extend in the event of a settlement with Russia.

 

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organisations in Vienna, acknowledged the need for security guarantees for Kyiv in any peace deal, while also asserting Russia's right to similar assurances. This highlights the complexities involved in negotiating a balanced agreement.

 

In a statement announcing his Washington visit, Keir Starmer commended Trump’s "efforts to end Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine," while reasserting Europe’s red lines. Starmer insisted that the "path to peace" must include input from Zelenskyy and expressed a need for continued sanctions on Russia.

 

Adding to the diplomatic dynamics, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that for the first time, Putin indicated potential agreement for US and European protection for Ukraine. This protection would not fall under NATO auspices but would resemble the alliance's Article 5 self-defence pact.

 

The high-stakes talks in Washington have drawn international attention, with various stakeholders watching closely to see how these dynamics play out. The potential for altered security arrangements could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.

 

Zelenskyy, while facing substantial pressure, remains hopeful that cooperation with Western allies will pave the way for a viable peace agreement. The meeting could serve as a pivotal moment for Ukraine, potentially altering its trajectory on the global stage.

 

As European leaders gather, questions persist about how effective support for Ukraine will be structured and what role the US will play in ensuring regional stability. While Trump’s remarks have sparked debate, the outcome of these talks could either reinforce or redefine alliances and strategies in dealing with Russian aggression.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-18