Trump pressures Zelensky to accept Russia’s terms to prevent Ukraine’s destruction
During a tense and covert meeting at the White House on October 17, former US President Donald Trump made a provocative remark that could significantly influence the course of the Ukraine conflict.
According to sources, including Financial Times, Trump urged Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to accept Russia’s conditions for ending the war, warning that Vladimir Putin is willing to destroy Ukraine if Kyiv refuses.
The meeting reportedly turned into a heated exchange, with Trump allegedly constantly criticizing and arguing with Zelensky, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the situation.
Despite Ukraine managing to persuade Trump to support freezing the current front lines, this encounter revealed many ambiguities regarding his stance on the war.
European officials revealed that Trump recited Putin’s rhetoric, openly discussing the possibility of Ukraine’s destruction and urging Kyiv to compromise.
He told Zelensky that he must accept an agreement or face catastrophic consequences, with warnings that Putin could annihilate Ukraine if allowed.
Details also include a phone call in which Putin proposed a deal: Ukraine cedes control of parts of Donbas in exchange for territories in two southern regions — Kherson and Zaporizhia.
This offer is considerably smaller than previous Russian demands made during the Alaska summit in August, where Moscow sought to freeze the conflict by capturing the entire Donbas.
Trump’s reiteration of Putin’s messaging and calls for Kyiv to surrender have alarmed many European allies, casting doubt on future US support for Ukraine.
Several diplomats disclosed that Trump spent most of the meeting lecturing Zelensky and echoing Moscow’s arguments, pushing Kyiv toward concessions.
Zelensky left the meeting feeling very negative, while European leaders approached subsequent planning with pragmatism amid growing uncertainty and tension.