Trump Says Zelensky Can Decide To End War, Rules Out Reclaiming Crimea

"President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, on the eve of a White House meeting with the Ukrainian president and European leaders.

By Emmanuel Monye

Updated August 18, 2025

FILES: US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 28, 2025. Zelensky and Trump openly clashed in the White House on February 28 at a meeting where they were due to sign a deal on sharing Ukraine’s mineral riches and discuss a peace deal with Russia. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

US President Donald Trump said late Sunday that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky could chose to end the war with Russia “almost immediately,” but retaking Russian-occupied Crimea or joining NATO are off the table.

“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, on the eve of a White House meeting with the Ukrainian president and European leaders.

“No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!” he added.

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