In a significant shift in rhetoric, President Donald Trump on Friday urged both Kyiv and Moscow to cease hostilities and bring an end to the ongoing brutal war. This call came shortly after a lengthy meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where the two leaders engaged in over two hours of discussions regarding the ongoing conflict.
Trump's frustration with the war has been apparent throughout his presidency, especially since his return to office nine months ago. In his latest comments on Truth Social, Trump expressed a desire for the conflict to end, stating, "Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts." He suggested that both sides should "stop where they are" and allow history to determine the outcome. This stance indicates a potential shift towards pressing Ukraine to reconsider its goals of reclaiming lost territories from Russia.
Upon arriving in Florida for the weekend, Trump reiterated his call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for both sides to halt the violence. "You stop at the battle line and both sides should go home, go to their families, stop the killing, and that should be it," he told reporters. Trump's comments represent a notable change from his previous position, where he had advocated for Ukraine to concede territory to end the war.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy echoed the sentiment for a ceasefire, stating, "The president is right; we have to stop where we are, and then to speak." However, he did not directly address Trump's suggestion for Ukraine to give up land.
Trump's tone on the Ukraine conflict has evolved, particularly after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He indicated plans to meet with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, in the coming weeks, which could signal a more direct approach to negotiations. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump also hinted at his reluctance to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could be pivotal in their fight against Russian forces.
Zelenskyy proposed a deal where Ukraine would provide the U.S. with advanced drones in exchange for Tomahawk missiles. However, Trump expressed hesitance, stating, "I have an obligation also to make sure that we're completely stocked up as a country." This represents a significant turn from his earlier openness to supplying Ukraine with the advanced weaponry, which has the potential to alter the dynamics of the conflict.
The prospect of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles has been a contentious topic, especially following Putin's warning that such a move could further strain U.S.-Russian relations. The missiles, which have a range of about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers), would enable Ukraine to strike deep within Russian territory, potentially targeting key military installations and infrastructure.
Zelenskyy has argued that acquiring Tomahawk missiles is crucial for compelling Putin to engage seriously in negotiations. However, Trump's recent reluctance to commit to supplying these weapons has left Ukrainian officials disappointed, as they had hoped for a more definitive response.
As the conflict continues, Trump remains focused on finding a resolution. He stated that it is still uncertain whether Zelenskyy would participate in the upcoming talks in Hungary, suggesting that a joint meeting with both leaders could be the most effective approach. Trump emphasized the need for comfort in negotiations, noting, "These two leaders do not like each other." Despite the tension, Zelenskyy maintains that the animosity towards Putin stems from the ongoing attacks on Ukraine, reaffirming that Russia remains an enemy.
As Trump continues to navigate the complexities of the Ukraine conflict, he insists that he could quickly end the war if given the opportunity. However, the diplomatic landscape remains challenging, particularly with Russia's ongoing military actions and lack of interest in meeting with Zelenskyy. Trump acknowledged the possibility of being misled by Putin but expressed confidence in his ability to manage the situation, stating, "I've been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well." This ongoing saga underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving one of the most pressing conflicts in recent history.
