Zelensky Hopes Joint Strength with US and Europe Will Push Russia Toward ‘Real Peace’ Ahead of Key Summit

Washington – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday renewed his appeal for Russia to end the war, voicing confidence that a united front with the United States and European allies could compel Moscow toward a genuine peace agreement.

Zelensky’s remarks came as he arrived in Washington, accompanied by top European leaders, for a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The summit is expected to focus on Ukraine’s war with Russia amid concerns that Kyiv may face pressure to accept Moscow’s terms for peace.

Announcing his arrival on X, Zelensky wrote: “I have already arrived in Washington. Tomorrow, I will meet President Trump and European leaders. I am grateful to POTUS for the invitation. We all share the goal of ending this war swiftly and reliably—and ensuring that peace is lasting.”

He warned against repeating past mistakes: “Not like years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of Donbas—only for Putin to use it as a springboard for another attack. Or when Ukraine was given so-called ‘security guarantees’ in 1994, which ultimately failed. Crimea should never have been surrendered—just as we did not give up Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022.”

Pointing to recent gains on the battlefield, Zelensky added: “Our soldiers are making progress in Donetsk and Sumy. I am confident we will defend Ukraine, guarantee security, and our people will always be grateful to President Trump, America, and every partner and ally for their invaluable support.”

He concluded: “Russia must end the war it started. I hope that our joint strength with America and our European friends will force Russia into a real peace.”

President Trump, meanwhile, posted on Truth Social: “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!”

Zelensky is joined in Washington by a strong European delegation, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

European officials have voiced concern that Trump may use the talks to pressure Zelensky into concessions aligning with demands reportedly made by Russian President Vladimir Putin at their recent Alaska summit—chief among them, Ukraine relinquishing Crimea and pledging never to join NATO.

Ahead of the meeting, Macron stressed the need for unity: “If we show weakness in front of Russia today, we are preparing the ground for future conflicts.”

Berlin echoed the sentiment, saying the summit would focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial integrity, continued military and financial assistance, and sustaining pressure on Russia through sanctions.

With inputs from IANS