Trump Hosts Zelenskiy Amid Renewed Tensions Over Ukraine

Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington on March 15, 2024, following a significant shift in the U.S. approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting comes after Trump abandoned his push for an immediate ceasefire, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands for Ukraine to cede territory in peace negotiations.

During a call with Zelenskiy and European leaders, Trump stated that Putin expects Kyiv to relinquish control of the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. This revelation was shared by sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Trump’s remarks follow a high-profile summit with Putin in Alaska, which concluded without a clear path to resolving the war that has now entered its fourth year. Despite the lack of tangible outcomes, Trump described the Alaska meeting as productive and suggested he would encourage Zelenskiy to make a deal, increasing pressure on the Ukrainian leader.

European diplomats expressed concerns about the implications of the Alaska summit, noting that Putin appeared to emerge with favorable outcomes. They highlighted the significance of Putin’s invitation to the U.S., which could signal a shift in focus toward a broader peace settlement, rather than the immediate ceasefire Trump previously indicated he would demand.

The meeting scheduled for Monday is pivotal for Zelenskiy, who has experienced a tumultuous relationship with Trump. Their last encounter in February resulted in a contentious exchange, briefly halting U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Since that time, the two leaders have met multiple times, including at NATO gatherings and in Vatican City, working to mend their ties.

On the eve of the meeting, European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine while also emphasizing the need for a trilateral discussion involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy. A statement released by leaders from France, Germany, and other nations asserted that changes to international borders must not occur through force, underscoring Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Despite the optimistic rhetoric surrounding negotiations, skepticism remains regarding Russia’s intentions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed doubts about Putin’s commitment to peace, stating, “Putin has promised a lot so far, signed many agreements. I don’t believe it so easily.”

Trump indicated his willingness to support Ukraine’s security, provided it does not involve NATO. He suggested that this arrangement might be acceptable to Putin, further complicating the dynamics of the negotiations. In a social media post, Zelenskiy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing peace, following his conversation with Trump.

As the situation develops, Ukraine’s Air Force reported overnight drone and missile strikes launched by Russia, indicating ongoing military pressures. Zelenskiy anticipates that Russian forces may increase their offensive actions as talks with global leaders progress.

Overall, the upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with potential implications for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the broader geopolitical landscape.