Ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump asserted that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not possible. Trump believes Zelenskyy has the power to immediately end the war with Russia or continue the fighting. These statements were made on Truth Social. Trump recalled the origins, citing that Crimea could not be reclaimed by Obama, and that Ukraine’s NATO inclusion was not going to happen. This communication preceded a meeting involving leaders from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe, held in Washington. Prior to this, Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Trump stated this meeting didn’t help in ending the war in Ukraine. He insisted on a peace agreement instead of a ceasefire. Trump claimed that Putin is ready for discussions and that the decision rests with Zelenskyy. The Washington meeting would include the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British PM Keir Starmer. Following the Alaska summit, Trump also had a lengthy discussion with Zelenskyy, as well as talks with NATO leaders, as confirmed by the White House.
