Trump Says Zelenskyy Can End War Immediately, Rules Out Reclaiming Crimea and NATO Membership

U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Sunday (August 17, 2025) that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could choose to end the war with Russia "almost immediately," but reclaiming Russian-occupied Crimea or seeking NATO membership will not be possible.

“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, ahead of a White House meeting with the Ukrainian leader and European counterparts.

The U.S. President further stressed that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, would not be returned to Ukraine, and that NATO membership for Kyiv remains off the table.

“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!!!” Trump posted.

The comments come as Zelenskyy prepares for high-level talks in Washington, where discussions on security assistance, peace negotiations, and Ukraine’s future ties with the West are expected to dominate the agenda.