Updated Story: Ukraine Won’t Rush Peace Talk Without Guarantee \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected calls for an “immediate” ceasefire with Russia on Friday, saying that Ukraine cannot enter peace talks without security guarantees against future invasions. His statement followed a highly contentious Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, during which Trump berated him, canceled a minerals deal, and warned that Ukraine risked losing U.S. support. While Trump insisted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate peace, Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s track record of broken agreements makes a rushed deal dangerous.
Ukraine’s Response to Trump’s Ceasefire Demand: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy Stands Firm: Ukraine will not enter peace talks without security guarantees, fearing another Russian invasion.
- Trump Cancels Minerals Deal: The U.S.-Ukraine economic agreement was scrapped after the heated Oval Office exchange.
- Putin’s Intentions Questioned: Zelenskyy warned that Russia cannot be trusted, citing years of broken peace deals.
- Republican Divide on Ukraine: Some GOP leaders support Trump, while others worry about abandoning a key U.S. ally.
- European Leaders Reaffirm Support: EU officials rally behind Ukraine, warning that Western disunity strengthens Russia.
- Democrats Slam Trump’s Approach: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accuses Trump of “doing Putin’s dirty work.”
Deep Look
A Contentious Meeting Ends in Diplomatic Fallout
The high-stakes Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy was supposed to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations but instead escalated tensions.
- Trump pushed for an “immediate” ceasefire, insisting that Putin is ready to negotiate peace.
- Zelenskyy pushed back, arguing that Ukraine cannot agree to peace terms without security guarantees to prevent another war.
- The conversation turned heated, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” and Vice President JD Vance demanding that Zelenskyy “just say thank you” for U.S. aid.
- Trump canceled a minerals deal that had been intended to support Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Shortly after the meeting, Trump posted on social media:
“Zelenskyy is not ready for peace. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
The White House confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation was told to leave.
Zelenskyy: No Peace Without Protection Against Future Invasions
In his response, Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine will not be pressured into a rushed peace deal.
- “Ukraine won’t enter peace talks without security guarantees,” he said.
- “We can’t change our attitudes toward Russia on a dime.”
His remarks reflect deep fears within Ukraine that a poorly negotiated settlement could leave the country vulnerable to another Russian invasion.
- Many Ukrainians view Putin’s offers of peace as a strategic move to rearm and regroup for future aggression.
- The Ukrainian military continues to fight slow but steady Russian advances, with leaders in Kyiv insisting that any peace deal must include NATO-like security guarantees.
Zelenskyy later thanked Americans for their support, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Trump’s Position: Ukraine Must Change Its Approach to Putin
Trump’s position on Ukraine has shifted dramatically, with his latest remarks suggesting that he sees Zelenskyy’s opposition to Putin as an obstacle to peace.
- “You see the hatred he’s got for Putin,” Trump said.
- “That’s very tough for me to make a deal with that kind of hate.”
- He also declared himself “in the middle”, claiming that he is not taking sides in the conflict.
Trump’s stance contrasts sharply with U.S. policy under past administrations, which framed Ukraine’s defense as a fight against Russian aggression.
With Trump questioning Ukraine’s approach and refusing to commit to security guarantees, uncertainty looms over America’s future role in the war.
Global Reactions: Europe Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
As Trump casts doubt on U.S. backing for Ukraine, European leaders have been quick to reaffirm their commitment.
- French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Council President Antonio Costa all privately assured Zelenskyy that Europe stands with Ukraine.
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly praised Zelenskyy, writing:
“Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone.” - Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned against abandoning Ukraine, stating:
“We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.”
However, not all European leaders were critical of Trump’s approach.
Far-Right Leaders Applaud Trump’s Stance
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Kremlin ally, praised Trump for standing “bravely for peace,” implying that Zelenskyy was working against his own country’s interests.
- Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s far-right AfD party, called the Oval Office confrontation “historic”, writing:
“Trump & Vance!”
These polarized reactions highlight growing divisions in Europe over how to handle the war.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed an immediate summit between the U.S. and European allies to prevent further Western division.
“Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favors those who would like to see the decline of our civilization,” she warned.
What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Trump’s demand for a ceasefire and his refusal to commit to continued military aid raise critical questions:
- Will the U.S. continue sending weapons and financial aid?
- The U.S. has already provided over $180 billion in support since the war began.
- With Trump questioning further aid, Ukraine may lose key funding for its defense.
- Will Ukraine seek alternative security agreements?
- With U.S. support uncertain, Kyiv may push for stronger European defense agreements.
- Some EU officials are considering using Russia’s frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort.
- Could Russia take advantage of the situation?
- Putin may see Trump’s stance as a green light to escalate military action.
- Ukraine’s biggest fear is that a ceasefire would allow Russia to regroup and invade again.
With Trump’s unpredictability shaping the U.S. stance, Ukraine now faces tough decisions about how to proceed in the war.
For now, Zelenskyy has made his position clear—Ukraine will not surrender without ironclad security guarantees.
The war is far from over, and the next moves by the U.S., Europe, and Russia will shape its outcome.
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