U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to give up its ambitions to join NATO and abandon any hopes of reclaiming Crimea, as he prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. The talks come just days after Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, signaling a push for a controversial peace deal to end Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years.

Trump stated that Zelensky “can end the war almost immediately, if he wants to,” by accepting Russia’s conditions, which include recognition of Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and a permanent block on NATO membership. The U.S. president’s remarks sparked concern in Kyiv and across Europe that Washington may press Ukraine into concessions favoring Russia.

European leaders from Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the EU, and NATO are also flying to Washington to join the talks and demand stronger security guarantees for Ukraine in any settlement. While Trump’s envoy suggested Moscow could accept limited guarantees and potential land swaps, Zelensky has already rejected the outline, insisting on an immediate ceasefire and stronger long-term protections.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to escalate attacks, including overnight strikes on Kharkiv that killed seven people, underscoring the ongoing human cost of the conflict. European officials described the White House meetings as a “moment of truth,” with global attention fixed on whether Trump can broker a deal — or push Ukraine into a compromise it cannot accept.