Washington, Aug 18, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office that a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire is not necessary for a peace agreement, marking a significant shift in his approach to ending the war.
War in Ukraine: Trump Shifts Stance on Ceasefire
Just last week, Trump warned Moscow of “very severe consequences” if Vladimir Putin refused a ceasefire at their Alaska summit. But on Monday, standing alongside Zelenskyy at the White House, Trump dismissed the need for one.
“I don’t think you’d need a ceasefire,” Trump said. “I’ve made multiple peace deals while fighting continued. Sometimes, a ceasefire just lets the other side rebuild.”
Trump added that while he likes the idea of stopping bloodshed, his strategy is to negotiate a peace deal while the war continues.
Trump-Putin Meeting Puts Pressure on Zelenskyy
The hastily arranged meeting followed Trump’s talks with Putin, after which Trump suggested Zelenskyy must make concessions if Ukraine wants peace.
Asked if U.S. support would end without a deal, Trump replied:
“It’s never the end of the road. People are being killed, and we want to stop that. I believe Putin also wants peace.”
Possible Trilateral Peace Summit
Trump floated the idea of a trilateral peace summit with Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.
“If everything works out today, we’ll have a trilat. I think there’s a reasonable chance to end the war if that happens.”
Zelenskyy agreed, saying Ukraine was “ready for trilateral.”
Ukraine Demands Security Guarantees
Zelenskyy outlined his country’s needs:
A stronger Ukrainian military through weapons, training, and U.S. support
Long-term NATO and EU security guarantees
Trump refused to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine, saying it would be a discussion point with European leaders.
Tense Politics, Softer Atmosphere
Unlike their tense February meeting, this Oval Office session was friendlier. Zelenskyy thanked Trump, shared jokes, and even used Trump’s slogan “peace through strength.”
Still, Kyiv and European capitals remain uneasy after Trump repeated several Russian talking points, including:
Claiming Ukraine could end the war “almost immediately” if it wanted to
Insisting Crimea is permanently lost to Russia
Declaring Ukraine will not join NATO
Russia expert Fiona Hill warned:
“Trump has handed the narrative to Putin. What Ukraine is getting is only a pause in the attacks Moscow itself launched.”
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