Trump Urges Ukraine and Russia to Halt War After Zelensky Meeting

President Donald Trump has called on both Ukraine and Russia to “stop where they are” and bring an end to the ongoing conflict following a two-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. This statement marks a notable shift in Trump’s approach to the war, which has been ongoing since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

During the meeting on March 15, 2024, Trump expressed frustration with the prolonged violence and stated, “Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts.” He suggested that both nations should be allowed to claim victory, saying, “Let History decide!” After the discussions, Trump reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities as he arrived in Florida for the weekend.

Trump’s recent comments indicate a return to his earlier stance, which had previously leaned towards pressuring Ukraine to concede territory to Russia. Just weeks prior, Trump appeared to support Ukrainian efforts to reclaim lost land, stating he believed they could win back all territories occupied by Russia. This change in tone follows a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday, where Trump announced plans to meet the Russian leader in Budapest in the coming weeks.

Zelensky responded to Trump’s remarks by emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and negotiations but avoided directly addressing the notion of Ukraine surrendering territory. He stated, “The president is right, we have to stop where we are, and then to speak.” This reflects the delicate balance Zelensky must maintain in addressing both Trump’s suggestions and the ongoing Russian aggression.

During the meeting, discussions also touched on military support, particularly the potential sale of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which Zelensky argued are crucial for their defense strategy. Trump, however, expressed hesitance about supplying these missiles, citing a need to ensure U.S. military readiness. He remarked, “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace.”

Zelensky, in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” indicated that the door for missile support was still open, noting, “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, didn’t say ‘yes.’” He underscored the importance of acquiring Tomahawks to effectively counter Russian forces.

Trump’s latest rhetoric has disappointed some Ukrainian officials, especially after he seemed more amenable to military support in recent days. The Tomahawks, with a range of approximately 995 miles (1,600 kilometers), would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting critical military and infrastructure sites.

While Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator, the reality remains complex. His meetings with both Zelensky and Putin have not yielded significant diplomatic breakthroughs, and the ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with Russia intensifying its military operations in Ukraine.

The fifth face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelensky since Trump’s return to office also raised questions about the feasibility of negotiations. Trump suggested that a “double meeting” with both leaders might be necessary to facilitate productive discussions, while Zelensky maintained that their animosity toward Putin stemmed from the ongoing aggression rather than personal feelings.

As the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, Trump’s assurances that he could quickly end the war contrast sharply with the realities on the ground. His confidence in handling Putin raises skepticism, especially given the Russian leader’s apparent disinterest in negotiations with Zelensky.

In summary, while Trump’s recent statements advocate for an immediate halt to the conflict, the path to a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges. The dynamics between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia continue to evolve as both leaders navigate their respective political landscapes.