08/18/2025August 18, 2025
Trump says Zelenskyy can decide to end war
US President Donald Trump said late Sunday that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy could decide to end the war with Russia “almost immediately.”
“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.
Trump seemed to indicate that Zelenskyy should give up retaking Crimea, which Russia has illegally occupied, and joining NATO.
“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.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump has incorrectly accused Ukraine of starting the conflict in the past.
https://p.dw.com/p/4z86Q
08/18/2025August 18, 2025
Which European leaders will join Zelenskyy?
https://p.dw.com/p/4z86g
08/18/2025August 18, 2025
When are Trump, Zelenskyy and European leaders meeting?
Here is the rundown of what is expected to happen later today:
12:00 p.m. local time
European leaders are expected to be at the White House by noon EDT (1600 UTC/GMT).
1:15 p.m.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will have a bilateral meeting first.
2:15 p.m.
Trump will greet other European leaders visiting Washington, DC, in the State Dining Room.
3:00 p.m.
Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders will then proceed to a larger meeting.
https://p.dw.com/p/4z86V
Welcome to our coverage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returns to the Oval Office on Monday for the first time since a high-stakes meeting in February between President Donald Trump devolved into a shouting match.
Several European leaders will join Zelenskyy in the US capital to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine, three and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The talks come after Trump met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
On Sunday, US envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that the US “could offer Article 5-like protection” to Ukraine, referring to NATO’s commitment to defend any member who comes under attack.
Trump, meanwhile, took to his Truth Social platform on the eve of the meeting to tell Zelenskyy that retaking Russian-occupied Crimeaor joining NATO are off the table.
Stay tuned for the latest news and analysis from the White House meeting as well as the ongoing war.
https://p.dw.com/p/4z86N
