International Leaders Urge Joint Pressure on Russia as Trump Proposes Major Ukraine Concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to the White House for talks with US President Donald Trump, joined by European allies. The meeting focuses on coordinating positions among Ukraine, the United States, Finland, the United Kingdom, Italy, the European Commission, and the NATO Secretary General ahead of discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy publicly reiterated the need for joint US-European pressure on Russia to end the war and called for a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe. Before the meeting, President Trump stated that he began arranging a bilateral meeting after calling Russian President Vladimir Putin following talks with European leaders at the White House. Trump said Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, adding that possible exchanges of territory would be discussed. Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is ready for a real truce and for establishing a new security architecture, emphasizing the importance of joint action to stop the killings and achieve dignity and peace.

During a White House meeting, former President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine should give up Crimea and agree never to join NATO. Trump stated, "I don’t think you need a cease-fire," as the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The discussions took place while the United States was considering security guarantees for Kyiv.

On August 18 in the afternoon local time (early August 19 Beijing time), U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. During the meeting, Trump stated that U.S. support for Ukraine will no longer involve "gifting" weapons, but instead will consist of "selling" them. Trump claimed that the previous Biden administration had provided over $300 billion to Ukraine, calling it a "corrupt act." Zelensky expressed gratitude for the opportunity for Ukraine to purchase weapons from the U.S., and thanked Europe and NATO for providing funding, noting that such support is not only for wartime needs, but also for security and military rebuilding. Trump described American-made military equipment as "unquestionably the best in the world" and said the "Patriot" air defense system is a "completely reliable system," claiming it can achieve a "success rate as high as 99% or even 100%," with two intercepting bullets meeting in the air.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington, D.C. on the evening of the 17th and stated that Ukraine must not repeat past mistakes regarding territorial issues. He called on U.S. President Donald Trump for the United States to join Ukraine and Europe in exerting combined pressure to force Russia to achieve 'genuine peace.' Zelensky wrote on social media that Ukraine should not have given up Crimea in the past and that the 'security guarantees' Ukraine received in 1994 did not work, emphasizing that such mistakes must not be repeated.

On June 17, the French presidential office announced that President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington, D.C. on June 18. Macron will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several other European leaders to continue coordination efforts between Europe and the United States, aiming to achieve a just and lasting peace, safeguard Ukraine's vital interests, and ensure Europe's security. Earlier on June 17, it was also confirmed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will accompany Zelensky to Washington, D.C. for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

On June 17, German government spokesperson Cornelius announced that German Chancellor Merz will travel to Washington on June 18 with Ukrainian President Zelensky and other European leaders. During the visit, they will hold talks with U.S. President Trump. The German government described this visit as an opportunity for information exchange with Trump following the Alaska meeting between the U.S. and Russian leaders. The German Chancellor is expected to discuss the Ukraine issue with the U.S. President and other European leaders. The German government hopes that Russia and Ukraine can reach a peace agreement soon. The meeting will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial issues, support for Ukraine, and exerting pressure on Russia. (CCTV News)

On the night of the 16th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on social media that a ceasefire is a key element in ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky made this statement following U.S. President Donald Trump's public proposal that Russia and Ukraine should sign a direct peace agreement rather than a ceasefire agreement. Zelensky said he is preparing for a meeting with Trump in Washington, D.C., on the 18th, and is coordinating with relevant parties. He noted that all parties agree on the need for dialogue at the leadership level to clarify all details and determine which steps are necessary and feasible. Zelensky also accused the Russian side of "repeatedly rejecting ceasefire calls" and stated that Russia has not yet decided to cease fire and lacks the will to do so, which "complicates the situation."

On June 16, the French presidential office announced that a video conference will be held on June 17 by leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to discuss steps toward peace in Ukraine. The meeting aims to provide security assurances for Ukraine as part of the so-called "voluntary alliance." This alliance includes over 30 members, primarily European countries. The video conference will take place the day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits Washington. On June 16, Zelensky stated he had a "lengthy and substantial" phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump and that he has been invited to meet Trump in Washington on June 18 to discuss "all the details" about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (Source: CCTV News)

President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as European leaders and NATO officials, that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw entirely from two eastern regions as part of the peace terms discussed during their summit, according to two sources briefed on the call cited by Axios. Trump communicated these terms while on a flight back to Washington alongside his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who also briefed leaders from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Finland, NATO, and the European Commission. Trump expressed his desire to arrange a trilateral summit involving Putin and Zelensky as early as August 22 and indicated that he expects Putin to present specific proposals at an upcoming meeting in Alaska. Trump suggested he would recommend Ukraine make peace or continue fighting after conveying Putin's terms. Putin also mentioned the possibility of security guarantees for Ukraine and suggested China as a potential guarantor, while indicating opposition to a security force consisting of NATO troops. There has not been a public commitment from Putin regarding participation in the proposed trilateral summit.

After a meeting between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska, US President Trump stated on the 16th that he will meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on the afternoon of the 18th Eastern Time. Trump indicated that if all goes well, a summit between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine will be arranged next. Zelensky expressed Ukraine's support for the proposal to hold a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia. Russian President Putin, during a meeting at the Kremlin on the 16th, did not mention the trilateral summit.

France announced that Ukraine's European allies will hold a meeting on Sunday, the day before President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet Donald Trump in Washington. Zelensky is set to discuss with Trump the details of Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place on Friday in Alaska. According to the Élysée Palace, the "coalition of the willing" will conduct a videoconference. Despite signs that the Russian President is unwilling to make concessions to end the war in Ukraine, Zelensky and his allies are continuing efforts to push for a trilateral summit with Putin.

A joint statement from the European Union and several European countries announced the intention to advance preparations for a trilateral meeting involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The statement detailed that earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump had briefed European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The leaders expressed support for Trump’s efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and to achieve a just and lasting peace. Europe stated its readiness to cooperate with the US and Ukraine in organizing the trilateral meeting.

The joint statement emphasized that Ukraine must have robust security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. European leaders welcomed President Trump’s indication that the United States is prepared to provide such security guarantees. The “voluntary alliance” is prepared to play an active role. The statement also declared that there should be no restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces or their cooperation with third countries, and that Russia cannot veto Ukraine’s path toward joining the EU and NATO. The joint statement reiterated that Ukraine should decide its own territorial issues and that international borders should not be changed through the use of force. Europe will continue to support Ukraine and is determined to make greater efforts to maintain Ukraine’s strength to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that he spent an extremely successful day in Alaska, including a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that went very smoothly. Trump also reported having late-night phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, including the highly respected NATO Secretary General, which he described as very smooth. According to Trump, all parties agree that the best way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is to reach a direct peace agreement to completely end the conflict, rather than just a ceasefire agreement, as ceasefires are often difficult to maintain. Trump added that President Zelensky will visit the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon. If all goes well, Trump said a subsequent meeting with President Putin will be arranged, which he believes could potentially save millions of lives.

At a joint press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had made significant progress and reached consensus on many issues, leaving only a few unresolved matters. However, Trump emphasized that one important issue remained unsolved and no agreements were reached between the two sides. Trump said he would later call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO leaders, and others he deemed appropriate to brief them on the meeting. Trump expressed hope for productive and positive meetings between the U.S. and Russia in the future and anticipated meeting with Putin again soon. Putin stated that the next meeting may take place in Moscow. (CCTV International News)

President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for closed-door talks regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting did not include representatives from Ukraine. President Trump stated he would leave the meeting early if there was no understanding or agreement but stayed for three hours, suggesting the talks had some meaningful content. Former US diplomat to Moscow Donald Jensen commented that securing a ceasefire would be a tangible step from the meeting and highlighted the importance of a commitment for further talks involving Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Jensen also stated that a promise for Russia to meet with Zelenskyy soon would be significant. On the situation in Ukraine, Oleksiy Haran, a professor at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, said there is anxiety in Ukraine about the outcome of the talks and noted that Putin has not made any concessions to Trump so far, nor has Trump pushed Putin to do so. Haran asserted that Russia's war goals have not been fully achieved and that Russia does not control any regional centers of Ukraine apart from territories gained before 2022.

On August 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on social media that the meeting between the Russian and US leaders would open a true path to sincere peace and create the possibility of substantial dialogue among the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine maintains a firm position on core issues such as territorial integrity, and that Ukraine must be involved in any decisions concerning the country. He said that peace should be based on ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelensky added that now is the time to end the conflict and Russia must take appropriate measures. (CCTV News)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine 'counts on America' ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Zelensky posted on social platform X, saying, 'This meeting should open a real path to a just peace and lead to substantive discussions among the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.' He also stated, 'Now is the time to end the war, and Russia must take the necessary steps. We count on America.'

President Donald Trump has promised a Peace Agreement to end the war in Ukraine following his summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, dropping his previous demand for a ceasefire. Trump posted on Truth Social early Saturday after returning to the White House, stating that it was determined by all that the best way to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, rather than a Ceasefire Agreement. Trump had phone calls overnight with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is traveling to Washington for talks on Monday, and with European leaders. Ahead of the Alaska summit, Trump told Zelenskyy and European leaders during a call on Wednesday that he intended to secure a ceasefire at the meeting with Putin, and the parties had agreed that a ceasefire would be necessary before peace negotiations could begin. However, after his discussions with Putin, Trump shifted his stance to advocate for direct peace negotiations instead of first implementing a ceasefire. Zelenskyy stated following a call with Trump that a real and lasting peace must be achieved, not just a pause between Russian invasions. European leaders reiterated that borders cannot change through force and expressed concerns about the consequences of Trump adopting Putin's position.

U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, reiterated his earlier threat that the United States will impose sanctions that "will have a serious economic impact" if Russia does not demonstrate a genuine willingness to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine. Trump stated, "Economically, it's very serious. It will be very serious." He added, "I'm not doing this for health reasons... I want to focus on our country, but I'm doing this to save many lives." He emphasized again, "Yes, very serious."

On August 15, aboard his flight to Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to the media about his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that "Ukraine must decide the territorial issue." When addressing questions on security guarantees, Trump said cooperation with Europe is possible. He also reiterated that if Russia does not end the war, it will face "serious consequences." (CCTV International News)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. The summit concluded without a formal deal, but both leaders described the meeting as productive, with Putin calling it "very useful" and Trump saying it was a "10 out of 10" and that "great progress" had been made in Ukraine talks. The meeting featured a red-carpet welcome for Putin, as both presidents arrived nearly simultaneously.

During the talks, Trump agreed to adopt the Russian position that peace efforts should focus on negotiating a final peace deal that could take months or years, rather than on an immediate ceasefire to halt Russian offensives in Ukraine. This shift was seen as a major concession to Putin. Trump also backed away from previously threatened tough new sanctions on Russia and secondary sanctions targeting nations that buy Russian oil. After the summit, Trump said in a Fox News interview, "Because of what happened today, I think I don't have to think about that now."

European leaders briefed by Trump after the summit reported that Putin called on Ukraine to yield the remaining areas of the Donbas not currently controlled by Russia—in Luhansk and Donetsk—in exchange for agree to freeze the front lines in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. No formal agreement was reached, but the leaders agreed to continue discussions. Putin invited Trump to Moscow at the end of the meeting.

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 'very severe' tariffs targeting Russia if a peace deal to end the Ukraine war is not reached within 50 days. Trump has shortened the deadline for Russia to make a peace deal with Ukraine and publicly expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response to what was described as 'provocative statements' by Russia and a menacing tweet by a former Russian leader, Trump has ordered the redeployment of U.S. nuclear submarines. These actions were reported as live updates surrounding tensions over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following a recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Trump described as "very disappointing." Trump stated, “I don’t think he’s there,” in apparent reference to Putin’s stance during their discussion.

The call with Putin occurred earlier in the week and reportedly failed to produce progress that Trump had hoped for in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump did not elaborate in detail on the content of the discussion but indicated dissatisfaction with the outcome.

The upcoming conversation with Zelenskiy is set against the backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, as Russia maintains aggressive positions in the ongoing war in Ukraine, and as speculation continues regarding possible territorial concessions or ceasefire proposals. European leaders have expressed concern over not being fully informed or involved in these high-level talks and fear potential settlements that could disadvantage Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump’s public comments signal ongoing complexities in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomacy and occur in parallel with European diplomatic efforts to coordinate responses among allied nations.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for more than two and a half hours on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The summit was aimed at seeking a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. During a post-meeting news conference, Putin mentioned an "agreement" and Trump stated that "great progress" was made, though there was no mention of a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not attend the meeting. Trump said he would call Zelenskyy to update him on the talks. Neither Trump nor Putin took questions from reporters after the meeting, concluding their appearance with a handshake before leaving the stage. The meeting was followed by Putin telling Kremlin officials that the summit was "timely and very useful," and that the two leaders discussed "all aspects of our cooperation" as well as a "possible resolution of the Ukrainian crisis on a fair basis."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed optimism that Ukraine and its allies are nearing a point where Russia can be forced to end or at least halt the ongoing war. However, he emphasized that achieving this goal requires strong support from the United States, including the imposition of tough sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of unity between the US and Europe to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, who he believes can be compelled to end the war under international pressure. The Ukrainian leader also addressed concerns about US military aid, referencing a case where 20,000 rockets originally intended for Ukraine were redirected to the Middle East. Despite such setbacks, Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine's readiness to continue fighting if necessary. He stressed that Ukraine supports all US-proposed initiatives for a ceasefire or negotiations but rejected any ultimatums from Russia, which he described as violating Ukraine's Constitution and international law. Zelenskyy also noted the significance of sanctions targeting Russia's banking sector, shadow fleet, and oil prices, as these measures could cripple Russia's ability to sustain its military operations. The president's statements come amid ongoing prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia and escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have further complicated global geopolitics.