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Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine was ready to “work with maximum effort to achieve peace,” and noted that Trump had shared details from his discussions with Putin. “It is important that America’s strength has an impact on the development of the situation,” he said.
Pushing for a Real Deal
What makes this moment significant is Zelensky’s change in tone. He made clear that the priority must be a permanent peace — not just another pause in fighting. “A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions,” he warned.
He outlined conditions that Ukraine considers non-negotiable: “Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure. All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be released, and the children abducted by Russia must be returned. Thousands of our people remain in captivity – they all must be brought home.”
Zelensky also called for sustained global pressure. “Pressure on Russia must be maintained while the aggression and occupation continue.”
Sanctions and Security on the Table
The two leaders also discussed expanding U.S. sanctions against Moscow and its allies. “Sanctions are an effective tool. Security must be guaranteed reliably and in the long term, with the involvement of both Europe and the U.S. All issues important to Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine’s participation, and no issue, particularly territorial ones, can be decided without Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
He thanked European leaders for backing Ukraine and welcomed what he called “an important statement from European leaders that strengthens our position.”
Trump’s Peace Vision
For his part, Trump confirmed that his call with Zelensky was productive and that both men agreed a ceasefire was not enough. “It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,” Trump wrote.
The former president made clear that his goal is not another temporary arrangement, but a lasting peace that could stop the bloodshed and reshape the balance of power in Europe.
Next Steps
If Monday’s meeting is successful, Trump said preparations will begin for a trilateral summit involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. European partners are expected to join future discussions to help guarantee any deal holds.
For years, Zelensky publicly rejected any talk of territorial compromise. Yet his latest statements show a willingness to at least consider Trump’s roadmap toward ending the war. Russia has illegally annexed four eastern provinces along with Crimea, moves rejected by the international community but defended by Moscow as the will of the people.
What happens next could determine not only Ukraine’s survival but also Trump’s role on the world stage as the man who could deliver peace where others failed.
