Washington D.C.: Following a high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for an immediate halt to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting both sides “stop where they are” and allow history to determine the outcome.
Trump’s statement, shared via his social media platform Truth Social shortly after the meeting, framed the conversation with Zelenskyy as “cordial and interesting,” and doubled down on his push for a negotiated ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.
“I told him, as I have told President Putin, that it’s time to end the violence. Let both sides declare victory, and let the fighting stop,” Trump wrote. “There’s been enough bloodshed. No more death. No more vast and unsustainable spending. Go home to your families in peace.”
A Call to Pause the War ‘As Is’
Trump proposed that the current territorial positions held by both Ukrainian and Russian forces should be frozen, allowing negotiations to proceed without further bloodshed. He emphasized that continued warfare benefits no one, citing the human and economic toll on both sides — and on the global community.
“Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by war and guts,” he said. “Let both claim victory. Let history be the judge.”
The comments reflect Trump’s long-standing view that the war, now entering its fourth year, could have been avoided entirely under his leadership. In his latest remarks, he blamed leadership failures and what he described as “personal animosity” between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin for prolonging the conflict.
“They don’t like each other — I’ve said it to both of them,” Trump told reporters following the meeting. “That bad blood is one of the biggest roadblocks to peace, but I still believe we can reach a settlement.”
Tomahawk Missiles Off the Table — For Now
During the White House discussions, Trump also addressed Ukraine’s request for advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles. The U.S. President signaled caution, saying his administration was reluctant to deplete U.S. stockpiles while still pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“I have a duty to ensure America is fully equipped. We’d rather not have Ukraine need Tomahawks at all. We’d rather have the war end,” Trump said, signaling a pause on offensive arms transfers for now.
The remarks came just days after Trump floated the idea of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawks if Moscow refused to engage in peace negotiations. He had earlier hinted at discussing the matter directly with Russian leadership.
Putin-Trump Talks in the Works
Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy follows a recent one-hour phone conversation between the U.S. President and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to senior officials, a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is being scheduled in Hungary in the coming weeks, raising speculation about a possible breakthrough.
While Trump has not confirmed the exact agenda for the upcoming talks, aides suggest that Ukraine will be a central topic.
Skepticism and Criticism
Trump’s suggestion to “freeze the conflict” has been met with skepticism by foreign policy analysts and cautious optimism from European diplomats. Critics argue that any move to halt the war based on current territorial lines would amount to de facto recognition of Russian occupation.
Ukrainian officials, while acknowledging Trump’s diplomatic push, have consistently maintained that any peace agreement must include a full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory — including Crimea and parts of Donbas.
Meanwhile, Trump’s critics at home have accused him of oversimplifying a complex conflict, while his supporters argue that his direct approach may succeed where traditional diplomacy has stalled.
As the war continues to drag on with heavy human and economic costs, Trump’s high-profile meeting and bold proposals signal that Washington may be preparing to take a more active role in steering the course of the conflict — potentially reshaping the geopolitical balance in Eastern Europe.
