In a recent high-stakes encounter at the White House, President Donald Trump reportedly advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider Russia's terms for ending the ongoing conflict, or risk facing severe consequences.
This private meeting, which took place on Friday, allegedly escalated into a heated exchange, as reported by multiple sources.
According to One America News, the discussion centered around President Trump's suggestion that Zelensky relinquish certain territories, including the strategically significant Donbas region, to secure peace. The Financial Times corroborated these claims, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposal.
However, when questioned on Sunday about whether he had urged Zelensky to cede land, President Trump denied such discussions, stating, "No, we never discussed it. We think that what they should do is just stop at the lines where they are, the battle lines."
The Donbas region, currently under Russian control, represents a significant portion of the territory that would be conceded if Zelensky were to agree to the proposed terms. In a Fox News interview, President Trump remarked on Russian President Vladimir Putin's territorial gains, saying, "Well, hes gonna take something. I mean, they fought and, he, uh, he has a lot a lot of property. I mean, you know hes won certain property."
He further commented on Air Force One, "Its cut up right now, I think 78% of the land is already taken by Russia."
Despite the pressure, President Trump maintained a stance favoring diplomatic solutions over military escalation. Zelensky's appeal for Tomahawk missiles, which would enable Ukraine to target deep within Russian territory, was reportedly turned down by Trump, who preferred to pursue negotiations.
Axios reported that during the meeting, Trump delivered "several strong statements" and remained firm in his decision, despite Zelensky's persistent requests.
In a move to further diplomatic efforts, President Trump engaged in a phone conversation with Putin prior to the White House meeting, agreeing to a future discussion in Budapest, Hungary, aimed at resolving the conflict. While Trump suggested Zelensky could join the talks, he also indicated a willingness to meet separately with each leader to facilitate a more comfortable dialogue.
Zelensky expressed openness to attending the proposed meeting, stating, "if it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as its called, shuttle diplomacy then in one format or another, we will agree." Although the Budapest meeting has yet to be scheduled, the Trump administration remains committed to prioritizing the resolution of the war.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with President Trump's approach reflecting a preference for negotiation over confrontation. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts could have significant implications for the geopolitical landscape and the future of Ukraine.
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