Zelenskyy announces arrival in Washington for talks with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said all sides seek a rapid end to the war and called for lasting peace as he arrived in Washington on Sunday (August 17, 2025) night ahead of talks with the U.S. President.

“We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably,” Mr. Zelenskyy posted on social media. He will meet Donald Trump on Monday (August 18, 2025) alongside a cohort of European leaders.

He posted in his X account, “And peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East—part of Donbas—and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack. Or when Ukraine was given so called “security guarantees” in 1994, but they didn’t work.”

Mr. Zelenskyy added, “I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Sunday (August 17, 2025) that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy could chose to end the war with Russia “almost immediately,” but retaking Russian-occupied Crimea or joining NATO are off the table.

“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!!!” Mr. trump posted on his Truth Social platform, on the eve of a White House meeting with the Ukrainian President and European leaders.