Trump pushes “Peace Agreement” to end Russia-Ukraine war
Shafaq News – Washington / Brussels / Kyiv
US President Donald Trump described Friday’s Alaska talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “very well,” stressing that only a comprehensive “Peace Agreement” can bring the war in Ukraine to an end.
Trump, who had earlier demanded a ceasefire from Putin, wrote Saturday on Truth Social that the decision was made following late-night calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, stating, “A mere Ceasefire Agreement, often times do not hold up.”
He confirmed plans to host Zelenskyy at the White House on August 18, noting that a follow-up meeting with Putin was under consideration.
Meanwhile, European leaders endorsed Trump’s push in a joint declaration signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The officials emphasized that the next phase must involve direct negotiations with Zelenskyy, expressing readiness to support a trilateral summit between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. They further insisted that any resolution provide “ironclad security guarantees” for Kyiv, affirming that “Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to EU and NATO.”
Thank you @POTUS for the update on discussions in Alaska.The EU is working closely with @ZelenskyyUA and the United States to reach a just and lasting peace. Strong security guarantees that protect Ukrainian and European vital security interests are essential.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 16, 2025
Zelenskyy, for his part, urged Trump to tighten sanctions on Russia if the trilateral meeting does not take place, posting on X, “If Russia tries to evade an honest end to the war. Sanctions are an effective tool.”
Today, following a conversation with President Trump, we further coordinated positions with European leaders. The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions.Killings must stop as soon as…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 16, 2025
