Ukraine can end the war by simply agreeing to a peace deal, which would involve no NATO membership for Ukraine.
In a surprise statement, US President Donald Trump claimed that Ukraine can end its ongoing war with Russia “almost immediately” if it wants to. The remark came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, where the two leaders discussed the conflict and potential peace deals.
According to Trump, Ukraine can end the war by simply agreeing to a peace deal, which would involve no NATO membership for Ukraine. However, Zelensky has repeatedly called for effective security guarantees from its allies, including NATO membership. The Ukrainian president has also reiterated his commitment to ending the conflict, which has seen Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities killing at least 10 people.
Trump’s Proposal Sparks Controversy
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Trump’s proposal has sparked controversy, with many questioning the feasibility of his plan. Ukraine has long sought to join NATO, and many experts believe that any peace deal would require significant concessions from Russia. This is not the first time Trump has made headlines for his comments on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In the past, he has been criticized for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia.
Zelensky’s Commitment and NATO’s role in war
Zelensky has repeatedly called for effective security guarantees from its allies, including NATO membership. The Ukrainian president has also reiterated his commitment to ending the war, which has seen Russian attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities killing at least 10 people.
NATO leaders, including Mark Rutte, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, Alexander Stubb, and Ursula von der Leyen, will join Trump and Zelensky in Washington for talks on Ukraine’s future. The war has also had significant economic and humanitarian impacts, with many countries imposing sanctions on Russia and providing aid to Ukraine.
The topic revolves around the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, with a focus on the Ukraine-Russia war, NATO, and the statements made by Trump regarding the conflict. The context also includes Trump's presidency, his political career, and his personal life.
FAQs
What is the current situation in Ukraine?
As of mid-August 2025, Ukraine remains fiercely contested. Russia has intensified operations, reclaiming full control of Luhansk and Chasiv Yar by July and advancing deeper into Donetsk by August. Kyiv responded with deep drone strikes (Operation Spider Web) in June. Civilian areas including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia continue to endure deadly Russian missile and drone attacks often coinciding with diplomatic negotiations. These developments underscore a volatile front and mounting humanitarian toll.
Will Ukraine join NATO?
Ukraine’s journey toward NATO membership remains politically endorsed by the alliance, described as “irreversible,” and facilitated through bodies like the NATO-Ukraine Council created in 2023 and the NSATU command launched in late 2024. Still, NATO has not extended a formal invitation, with membership viewed as unlikely amid active conflict. Ukrainian officials hope for an invitation before the 2025 summit in The Hague, but consensus among members and operational realities pose significant hurdles.
How does NATO view the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
NATO consistently condemns Russia’s invasion as a blatant breach of international law and a threat to Euro-Atlantic stability. Allies have committed to sustained political, military, economic, and humanitarian support. Enhancements include developing joint defense architecture, interoperability reforms, and the NSATU command to coordinate long-term training and security aid demonstrating united backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic path.
What is the role of NATO in the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
While NATO remains a non-belligerent, the alliance plays a pivotal support role. It operates the NSATU command to orchestrate training and equipment deliveries, empowers the NATO-Ukraine Council for crisis coordination and strategic consultation, and funnels €40 billion in pledged security assistance. NATO also advises on air and missile defense systems, fosters interoperability, and strengthens Ukraine’s resilience, all reinforcing Kyiv’s self-defense capacity without direct troop involvement.
