Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday laid out conditions for what he described as a “real peace” as preparations continue for a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
The statement came after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska in an attempt to move toward ending the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Zelensky posted his remarks to X after speaking by phone with both Trump and European leaders.
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“The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions,” Zelensky wrote.
“Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure. All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be released and the children abducted by Russia must be returned,” he continued.
Zelensky emphasized that thousands of Ukrainians remain in Russian captivity and must be released, while insisting that international pressure must remain in place as long as “aggression and occupation continue.”
Today, following a conversation with President Trump, we further coordinated positions with European leaders. The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions.
Killings must stop as soon as…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 16, 2025
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In a follow-up post, Zelensky cautioned that Moscow could attempt to use battlefield escalation to its advantage during the ongoing diplomatic talks.
“Based on the political and diplomatic situation around Ukraine, and knowing Russia’s treachery, we anticipate that in the coming days the Russian army may try to increase pressure and strikes against Ukrainian positions in order to create more favorable political circumstances for talks with global actors,” he wrote.
I received a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The front, the defense of positions, and up-to-date information on the intentions and movements of the Russian army. We are defending our positions along the entire front line, and for the second day in a row, we have…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 16, 2025
Zelensky will arrive in Washington on Monday for discussions with Trump as part of efforts involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine to find a path forward.
It will be his first return to the Oval Office since February, when a press briefing between the two leaders collapsed after Trump publicly criticized him, which in turn derailed a minerals deal between the two countries.
TRUMP: “YOU DON’T HAVE THE CARDS RIGHT NOW. YOU ARE IN NO POSITION TO DICTATE ANYTHING!”
Absolutely unreal scene in the Oval Office. Trump’s underlying argument is correct though. The United States is the only reason Ukraine is still standing as an independent nation. pic.twitter.com/H57JZfJCWR
— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) February 28, 2025
Trump, posting to Truth Social after his meeting with Putin in Alaska, described the talks as productive and reiterated his push for a formal settlement rather than a temporary truce.
“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,” Trump wrote.
He added that if Monday’s session with Zelensky is successful, a follow-up meeting could be scheduled with Putin.
“Potentially, millions of people’s lives will be saved,” Trump said.
My father is determined to bring peace! https://t.co/rGLyOqwOrQ
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 16, 2025
Although no agreement was finalized during Friday’s discussions, Trump characterized the summit as progress, saying “a lot of progress” was made.
Putin echoed that sentiment, saying the two met in a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect.”
Trump also engaged European leaders following the meeting.
They expressed support for U.S. peace efforts while underscoring Ukraine’s need for security assurances.
In a joint statement, the leaders refrained from declaring whether a peace agreement would be preferable to a ceasefire but stressed the importance of safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force,” the statement said.
It was signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO,” the statement continued.
Speaking to Fox News before leaving Alaska, Trump said Zelensky may ultimately carry the greatest responsibility in securing an agreement.
“The onus going forward might be on Zelensky to get it done,” Trump said, while noting that European nations would play a role in the process.
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