Trump's meeting with Zelensky and European leaders (Social media)
International News: On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. During the meeting, Trump assured Zelensky that the United States, along with its allies, would provide Ukraine with strong security guarantees. However, he clarified that Ukraine would not be given NATO membership. This statement immediately triggered criticism from Russia.
Trump explained that instead of granting NATO membership, America and its European partners would extend security guarantees to Ukraine. He compared this arrangement to NATO’s Article 5, which obligates allies to assist if one member is attacked. In Ukraine’s case, the U.S. and Europe would step in to help during an attack, but without granting Kyiv formal NATO status.
Russia strongly opposed Trump’s statement. The state-run channel RT questioned why Trump had promised to keep providing protection to Ukraine. Moscow has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, arguing it would threaten Russian security interests. Trump’s remarks, therefore, added to the ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Trump’s announcement came just three days after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. In that meeting, he hinted at a new plan for Ukraine’s future. His latest remarks are seen as part of that strategy, balancing U.S. security commitments to Kyiv while avoiding direct NATO expansion.
President Zelensky welcomed Trump’s assurances, stating that Ukraine’s security depends on the U.S. and its partners. He said his country is ready to work toward ending the war. “We want peace; we want our people to return home,” Zelensky said, adding that a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia would soon take place to address sensitive issues.
Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine is prepared for a genuine ceasefire. He noted that the immediate goal is to stop killings and create conditions for meaningful talks. While he expressed doubts that Putin would abandon his aggressive stance, he stressed that Ukraine is ready to discuss a new security framework if it helps achieve lasting peace.
Trump’s statement reflects a new U.S. approach toward Ukraine—providing security assurances without formal NATO membership. For Ukraine, this brings hope of stronger backing from the West, while for Russia, it raises fresh concerns about Western involvement in the region. With both sides holding firm positions, the coming trilateral meeting will be critical in shaping the next phase of the conflict.
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