Will Our Collective Strength with the US and Europe Push Russia Towards Genuine Peace? Zelensky Ahead of Critical Meeting

Washington, Aug 18 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday reaffirmed his demand for Russia to cease its ongoing aggression, expressing optimism that a unified stance with the United States and European allies would drive Moscow toward a genuine peace agreement.

Zelensky's statements were made upon his arrival in Washington, supported by prominent European leaders, for a crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. This summit aims to address the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, along with rising worries about the pressure on Kyiv to accept terms proposed by Moscow.

Utilizing the social media platform X, Zelensky shared his arrival and the importance of the visit: "I have officially arrived in Washington. Tomorrow, I will meet with President Trump, and we will also engage with European leaders. I’m thankful to POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to bring an end to this conflict swiftly and reliably. This peace must be enduring."

He elaborated, "Unlike in the past, where Ukraine was compelled to surrender Crimea and parts of our East—specifically Donbas—and Putin merely exploited that as a launchpad for further aggression. Or when Ukraine received so-called ‘security guarantees’ back in 1994, which ultimately fell short. Clearly, Crimea should never have been relinquished—just as Ukrainians did not concede Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv post-2022."

Emphasizing recent military advancements, Zelensky noted, "Currently, our forces are achieving victories in the Donetsk and Sumy regions. I firmly believe we will protect Ukraine, ensure security, and our people will remain eternally grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their unwavering support and invaluable help."

"Russia must conclude this war, which it initiated. I am hopeful that our combined strength with America and our European allies will compel Russia into a genuine peace," he stressed.

In the lead-up to the meeting, President Trump shared on Truth Social, "A significant day at the White House tomorrow. Never before have so many European leaders gathered at one time. It’s my great honor to host them!"

Zelensky is accompanied by several key European figures, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

European officials have voiced concerns that the discussions at the White House could be utilized by Trump to exert pressure on Zelensky to contemplate concessions in line with demands made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during their recent Alaska summit. These demands reportedly involve Ukraine relinquishing its claim to Crimea and agreeing to never join NATO.

European leaders aim to leverage Monday’s summit to clarify Washington’s stance and comprehend any potential peace framework that includes credible security assurances for Ukraine.

In anticipation of the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the importance of unity: "If we demonstrate weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the groundwork for future conflicts," he cautioned.

Macron, alongside other European leaders who participated in a "coalition of the willing" video conference prior to traveling to Washington, emphasized the aim of establishing a robust and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The German government reiterated this sentiment in a statement detailing the summit's primary agenda, which encompasses long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial disputes, and the ongoing provision of military and financial support.

“This also entails maintaining pressure through sanctions,” the statement concluded.