Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Washington ahead of a planned meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump on Aug. 18.
Trump seeks to mediate a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war following his Aug. 15 summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. president said Aug. 17 that Zelenskyy could choose to end the Russia-Ukraine war “almost immediately,” ahead of the talks, which will also include European and NATO leaders.
Trump suggested that Ukraine might have to cede Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014 under the Obama administration, and refrain from joining NATO as part of the deal to end the fighting.
“Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change,” he stated.
Jacob Burg contributed to this report.
This story will be updated with additional details.
