Russia-Ukraine War: Donald Trump Mentions 2 Things Zelenskyy Should Give Up
- US President Donald Trump is preparing to host a peace summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
- Trump disclosed the development after a meeting between him and European leaders, including Zelensky, at the White House on Monday, August 18
- The US president also shared that he spoke with Putin on the phone and expressed optimism about keeping his promise of ending the war between Russia and Ukraine
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky are reportedly preparing to hold a peace summit after discussions between US President Donald Trump and European leaders, which focused on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
CNN earlier reported that Trump asked Zelensky to give up part of Ukraine's territory already occupied by Russia, such as Crimea and agree not to join NATO.
Source: Getty Images
Trump seeks peace deal for Ukraine
Trump raised hopes by disclosing that he had spoken by phone with the Russian president, whom he also met in Alaska last week. His disclosure came after a meeting with European leaders and Ukraine’s president at the White House on Monday, August 16, 2025.
The scheduled meeting between Putin and Zelensky would be the first of its kind since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted for about three and a half years. The move is part of Trump's efforts to make good on his promise of ending the war.
The US president took to his Truth Social network and wrote: “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.” He added that following his meeting with the European leaders, he called President Putin and commenced the arrangement for a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
Zelensky, Putin to determine meeting venue
Trump further noted that the venue of the meeting would be determined by Putin and Zelensky. He said he was ready to hold a three-way summit with the two estranged leaders. Putin and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have reportedly agreed to a bilateral meeting in the next two weeks. However, the date and location were yet to be confirmed.
Speaking with reporters outside the White House, Zelensky confirmed the plan, adding that he was ready for a bilateral talk with Putin. The war between the two countries has led to the death of tens of thousands.
An aide to Putin in Moscow reportedly said that the Russian president was open to a direct talk with Zelensky. The Ukrainian president was in the White House after Trump increasingly pushed him to make some concessions to Russia.
Source: Getty Images
Russia launches fresh attack on Ukraine
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Russia-Ukraine war recorded fresh deaths of at least 15 people, while hundreds were reportedly injured.
This occurred after Russia launched a fresh attack using missiles and drones on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Authorities said the death toll could increase as rescue operations and security agencies continue to search for victims under the rubble.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
