Trump Tells Zelensky: Give Up Crimea, Forget NATO for Peace Deal

Image source CNN

Zelensky Arrives in Washington Under Pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Washington D.C. today for high-stakes talks with former President Donald Trump. The meeting, also involving key European leaders, comes amid reports that Trump has presented Zelensky with stark demands to end the war: Ukraine must permanently give up Crimea and abandon its goal of joining NATO.

Trump's Demands: Cede Crimea, Renounce NATO

Sources familiar with the pre-meeting discussions indicate Trump has told Zelensky that agreeing to Russia's core demands is essential for peace. This includes formally ceding the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, and legally committing Ukraine to never join the NATO alliance. Trump reportedly views these concessions as non-negotiable prerequisites for a deal.

Zelensky's Stance: Security Concerns and Past Failures

President Zelensky arrives facing immense pressure but has historically rejected surrendering territory. He is expected to argue that such concessions reward Russian aggression and undermine Ukraine's sovereignty. Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky emphasized the need for ironclad security guarantees, stronger than previous agreements like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which failed to prevent Russian aggression. He stated guarantees must "work" where past ones did not.

Potential Security Guarantees & Land Swaps Mentioned

US envoy Steve Witkoff, involved in Trump's recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, revealed potential elements of a deal. He told CNN that Putin agreed to allow discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine and made unspecified concessions regarding "land swaps." However, crucially, the Russian government has made no public mention of such agreements, casting doubt on their firmness. The nature and enforceability of these potential guarantees remain unclear.

Trump Shifts Tactics: Deal First, Ceasefire Later

Witkoff also outlined a significant shift in Trump's approach. Previously open to a ceasefire, Trump is now reportedly focused solely on securing a comprehensive peace deal immediately, bypassing a temporary truce. This change stems from his assessment of progress made directly with Putin. As part of this push, Trump has also backed away from his earlier threat to impose new sanctions on Moscow, despite calls from allies for increased economic pressure on Russia.

High-Stakes Negotiations Underway

As Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders meet, the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance. Trump is pushing hard for Kyiv to accept painful territorial and strategic concessions. Zelensky enters the talks seeking guarantees for his country's survival but faces the formidable demands of a former US president actively engaging with the Kremlin. The outcome will profoundly impact the course of the war and European security.