On Friday, President Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to halt their fighting immediately as efforts begin to address the ongoing conflict that has lasted over three years.
After an “interesting” and “heartfelt” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump made a post on Truth Social, stating he had urged President Putin to “stop the killing and make a deal.” He emphasized that too much blood has been shed and it’s time to draw lines and end the fighting.
Following their discussion, Zelensky addressed reporters outside the White House, confirming that he and Trump had reached a consensus on a cease-fire, which would involve freezing the front lines and pursuing negotiations to conclude the war.
Zelensky remarked, “We have to stay where we are. The president is right,” also noting that negotiating the future of the territories occupied by Russians remains a delicate and challenging issue.
“The territory question is very sensitive; it’s, in fact, the most complex issue at hand,” Zelensky acknowledged, indicating that the Russians aim to seize everything.
He added that the Russians seem keen to strike a deal about land before a ceasefire, but insisted that their priority should be the ceasefire first. “We need to sit down, talk, and find common ground. This is the most crucial first step,” he clarified.
Zelensky traveled to the U.S. to push for increased support for Ukraine and heighten pressure on Putin regarding military, economic, and diplomatic matters.
In recent statements, Trump expressed confidence that Ukraine could reclaim all territory occupied by Russia. Following a call with Putin, he conveyed optimism about the potential for a negotiated agreement.
Trump suggested, “Let’s both claim victory and let history decide! No more shootings, no more deaths, no more massive and unsustainable spending,” in a social media update.
He concluded with a plea for peace: “No more, let’s go home to our families in peace!”
Plans are underway for Trump to meet with Putin in Budapest soon, marking a return since their last meeting in Alaska over the summer, where Trump retracted his ceasefire request and he encouraged negotiations between the two leaders, though they never materialized.
