Ukraine president meets Trump and European leaders; asks for legitimate security and to end the war.
New Delhi: August 18, 2025
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Washington for crucial talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, stressing that Ukraine will not give up its land and that peace must be “lasting, not temporary.”
In a statement shared on social media shortly after his arrival, Zelenskyy recalled how past compromises and broken promises weakened Ukraine’s security, but asserted that this time the outcome must be different.
Zelenskyy’s Call for Lasting Peace
Zelenskyy stressed that the common aim of Ukraine and its allies is to bring an end to the war promptly and in a manner that will guarantee stability. He stressed that any peace must be permanent, as opposed to the past, when Ukraine lost Crimea and parts of Donbas, which Russia then used as a stepping stone for new attacks. To illustrate, he expressed how the security guarantees that Ukraine obtained in 1994 didn’t protect the country. He reiterated that Crimea should never have been given up, just as we would never abandon Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv in reaction to Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“Ukraine Will Defend Its Land”
Zelenskyy emphasized the resilience of Ukraine people, noting that the nation’s soldiers are still achieving successes on the battlefield despite enormous challenges.
Zelenskyy once again stressed that Ukraine’s struggle is about protecting its land and independence. He mentioned recent advances by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk and Sumy regions and expressed confidence that Ukraine will stand, solidify security and that the Ukrainian people will be eternally grateful for it.
Gratitude to Allies and Message to Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked President Trump, the people of the United States, and the European allies for their ongoing support, saying their support is truly priceless. He called on Russia to end the war it started, adding that he is confident that the power of Ukraine, America, and European partners would ultimately force Russia to accept real peace.
The Bigger Picture
Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight Ukraine’s insistence on a lasting, enforceable peace agreement, backed by solid security guarantees. His Washington visit comes amid discussions of a new U.S.–European framework to support Kyiv and growing pressure on Moscow to halt its aggression.
