After a tense Trump Zelenskyy meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump urged both Ukraine and Russia to “stop where they are” and end the devastating war. The comments, made Friday and later echoed in Florida, marked another dramatic shift in Trump’s stance on the conflict and hinted at possible pressure on Kyiv to concede territory seized by Moscow.
A Call to Freeze the Battlefield
“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts,” Trump posted on Truth Social after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more than two hours. “They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Speaking to reporters later, Trump elaborated that both sides should halt along current battle lines. “You go by the battle line wherever it is,” he said. “Both sides should go home, stop the killing, and that should be it.”
Trump’s appeal reflects frustration over a conflict that has persisted for nearly four years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. His comments suggested openness to allowing Moscow to retain occupied territories, a position long rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.
Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire Talks
Zelenskyy responded cautiously after the meeting, emphasizing that dialogue is necessary. “The president is right — we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” he said. Though careful not to endorse territorial concessions, his statement signaled a willingness to explore a ceasefire.
It was the fifth face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump’s return to the White House in January. The Ukrainian leader later told NBC’s Meet the Press that Trump had not ruled out supporting Ukraine’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles, but had not committed to it either.
“It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, didn’t say ‘yes,’” Zelenskyy said. “We need Tomahawks — it’s difficult to operate only with Ukrainian drones.”
Shifting Tone After Putin Call
The Trump Zelenskyy meeting followed a long phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. During that call, Trump announced plans to meet Putin in Budapest, Hungary, in the coming weeks, a move viewed by analysts as a new attempt to position himself as the sole broker of peace.
Following the call, Trump’s tone softened toward Moscow. He began suggesting that Ukraine might have to accept the current frontlines as the basis for peace — a position that mirrors earlier statements made during his campaign.
Trump also signaled reluctance to sell Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, saying he wanted to preserve U.S. stockpiles. “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks,” he said. “We’d much rather have the war be over, to be honest.”
Why Tomahawks Matter
Ukraine has sought the U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, which can strike targets nearly 1,000 miles away, to weaken Russia’s logistical and energy infrastructure. Kyiv believes such weapons could compel Moscow to negotiate.
However, Putin has warned that transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine would “cause substantial damage” to U.S.-Russia relations without changing the battlefield outcome. The Kremlin said Trump understood this point during their latest conversation.
Putin, Zelenskyy, and the Path to Negotiations
Trump said Friday it was “to be determined” whether Zelenskyy would participate in his upcoming meeting with Putin. He suggested that holding separate discussions might yield better results.
“These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump said. Zelenskyy responded that his opposition to Putin “is not about feelings.”
“They attacked us, so they are an enemy,” Zelenskyy said. “They don’t intend to stop. Undoubtedly, we hate the enemy — but this is not about emotion; it’s about defense.”
Diplomatic Push and Political Risks
Trump entered office promising to end the war “within 24 hours.” His efforts have included multiple summits, including one in Alaska with Putin and earlier meetings with European allies. While he previously expressed confidence in arranging direct peace talks, Moscow has intensified its bombardment instead.
When asked Friday whether he feared Putin might be manipulating him, Trump replied, “I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well. I think I’m pretty good at this stuff.”
Political observers note that Trump’s recent statements align with his desire to present himself as a dealmaker who can achieve peace quickly — even if that means freezing the war along current lines. Critics warn this could effectively reward Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy’s Balancing Act
For Zelenskyy, the Trump Zelenskyy meeting was both an opportunity and a challenge. His goal remains securing stronger U.S. support while maintaining goodwill with a president who could shape the next phase of the conflict.
During the White House talks, Zelenskyy reportedly offered to provide Ukraine’s advanced drone technology to the U.S. in exchange for the Tomahawks. The deal was framed as a partnership rather than a plea for aid, signaling Kyiv’s intent to present itself as a capable ally.
Despite limited progress, Zelenskyy struck a diplomatic tone afterward. “It’s good that we’re talking,” he said. “Talk is always better than silence.”
International Reactions
Global responses to Trump’s comments were mixed. European diplomats expressed concern that his “stop where they are” approach could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. NATO officials reiterated that any peace must be based on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, not battlefield realities.
Meanwhile, Russian state media hailed Trump’s remarks as a breakthrough, portraying them as validation of Moscow’s territorial claims. Analysts said such praise could complicate Trump’s efforts to appear neutral in future negotiations.
A War Still Without an Endgame
Nearly four years after Russia’s invasion, the war shows little sign of abating. Ukraine remains determined to reclaim occupied regions, while Russia continues its air assaults and troop buildup.
The Trump Zelenskyy meeting added a new layer of uncertainty to the conflict’s direction. Whether Trump’s call for a ceasefire leads to peace talks — or deepens the divide — will depend on how Moscow and Kyiv interpret his words in the coming days.
For now, both leaders are preparing for their next moves: Zelenskyy for continued resistance, and Trump for a meeting in Hungary that could redefine U.S. diplomacy in the war’s next chapter.
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