Trump Pushes New Timeline for Peace
Former U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-profile meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. The discussions came shortly after Trump’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where he attempted to open a new path toward ending the war. According to Trump, the next two weeks will be crucial for determining whether peace negotiations can move forward or stall once again.
Trump stressed that he wants to see “real movement” from both Russia and Ukraine during this period. If no progress is achieved, he hinted that the United States could impose severe economic measures against Moscow, ranging from tariffs to new sanctions. Still, Trump left the door open to other outcomes, even suggesting that he might “do nothing at all” depending on the situation.
Zelensky’s Position and European Support
For Ukraine, the stakes are high. President Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv will not accept any peace agreement that compromises the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. He thanked Trump and European allies for their support but warned that Russia’s intentions remain uncertain.
European leaders, including representatives from Germany and France, stood alongside Zelensky during the talks. They signaled unity with Ukraine and called for a strong security framework that could guarantee long-term stability. France pushed for concrete guarantees, while Germany focused on rebuilding trust in diplomacy.
Security Guarantees on the Table
One of the key topics of the meeting was how the United States and Europe could guarantee Ukraine’s security in a future peace deal. Trump reportedly offered assurances that Washington would stand behind Ukraine if Russia tried to undermine any agreement. However, details about what those guarantees would look like remain unclear.
Zelensky urged Western leaders to move beyond promises and adopt binding agreements. He argued that Ukraine has already paid a heavy price and cannot afford another “temporary truce” that leaves the country vulnerable.
A Possible Putin–Zelensky Meeting
Trump also floated the idea of arranging a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky, potentially with himself present as a mediator. While Zelensky expressed cautious interest, he stressed that any such summit must be carefully prepared to avoid becoming a propaganda tool for Moscow.
European leaders cautiously welcomed the proposal but said that it must be backed by real commitments. Without trust and enforcement mechanisms, they warned, such talks could collapse before producing results.
What Comes Next
The coming two weeks will be decisive. Trump’s deadline places enormous pressure on all sides to deliver meaningful progress. Analysts say the outcome could determine not only Ukraine’s future but also the credibility of Trump’s diplomatic approach.
If negotiations succeed, it may mark the beginning of a fragile peace process. But if they fail, tensions could escalate further, forcing the U.S. and Europe to consider harsher measures against Russia. For now, all eyes are on Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington as the clock ticks toward Trump’s deadline.
