US President Trump Hosts European Leaders Amid Ukraine Peace Efforts

U.S. President Donald Trump, before his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, stated that Zelensky has the power to end the conflict with Russia "if he wants to." Trump referenced the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea during Obama's presidency and dismissed Ukraine's potential NATO membership, which Russia opposes. "President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!," he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also expressed excitement about hosting European and NATO leaders at the White House for a meeting with Zelensky. He described it as a significant event due to the number of European leaders attending simultaneously. "Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honour to host them," he said.

Trump's Criticism of Media Reports

The US President criticized reports suggesting a "major defeat" during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. He refuted claims that failing to secure a ceasefire deal in Ukraine was a setback. Trump argued that the summit's location was contentious and accused media outlets of spreading false narratives. "The Fake News has been saying for 3 days that I suffered a 'major defeat' by allowing President Vladimir Putin of Russia to have a major Summit in the United States. Actually, he would have loved doing the meeting anywhere else but the US and the Fake News knows this. It was a major point of contention! If we had the Summit elsewhere, the Democrat run and controlled media would have said what a terrible thing THAT was," he wrote on Truth Social.

In addition, Trump criticised Democrats for allegedly fostering crime in cities under their control, including Washington D.C., while assuring citizens of safety measures similar to those at the southern border. "They even want CRIME IN DC, and other BLUE Cities throughout our Country, but don't worry, I won't let that happen. Just like our now secure Southern Border (ZERO illegals in last 3 months!), our cities will be Secure and Safe, and DC will lead the way!" he said.

Meeting Between Trump and Putin

During their meeting in Alaska on Friday, Trump and Putin highlighted areas of agreement but did not announce any progress towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks ended abruptly after three hours with aides present. Trump described himself as a master deal-maker but acknowledged no agreement had been reached yet. "We're not there yet, but we've made progress. There's no deal until there's a deal," he remarked.

Despite this, Trump considered the meeting productive and emphasized that it is now up to Zelensky to build on these discussions to secure peace in Ukraine. He also urged European nations to play an active role alongside Zelensky in resolving Russia's ongoing invasion over three years.

"Now it's really up to President Zelensky to get it done. And I would also say the European nations, they have to get involved a little bit, but it's up to President Zelensky," Trump stated.