By Ephraim Agbo
When Donald Trump welcomed Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Oval Office today, the mood was a sharp contrast to their tense February clash. Smiles replaced frowns, Zelenskyy swapped his trademark military fatigues for a suit, and both men seemed eager to project optimism. Yet beneath the cordial tone lay hard questions about Ukraine’s future, America’s role, and whether peace with Russia can be built on vague promises.
Warm Words, Unclear Commitments
Trump told reporters he would give Ukraine “very good protection” and that the U.S. would “help a lot.” Zelenskyy, visibly emotional, thanked Trump and spoke of Ukrainians enduring daily bombardments. The words were reassuring, but details were missing. Unlike NATO’s Article 5 guarantee, Trump’s pledge stopped short of binding commitments, leaving observers wondering what “protection” really means.
Peace Talks Without a Ceasefire?
Perhaps most striking, Trump declared that a ceasefire was not necessary before peace negotiations with Russia. This aligned, at least rhetorically, with Moscow’s stance. Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine would not accept any deal that compromised sovereignty. For Kyiv, peace without a halt to Russia’s missile and drone strikes risks being nothing more than surrender under fire.
The Territorial Question
Reports suggest Trump privately urged Ukraine to temper ambitions—hinting at letting go of Crimea and shelving NATO membership dreams. Zelenskyy was firm: no land-for-peace deals. Under Ukrainian law, any territorial concession would require a national referendum. On the ground, soldiers and civilians alike expressed fear that Washington might trade their land for a quick deal.
Europe Steps In
In a remarkable show of solidarity, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, along with NATO and EU chiefs, arrived in Washington. They stood behind Zelenskyy and rejected any peace formula that would reward Russian aggression. Some even floated the idea of European-led peacekeeping forces to back security guarantees. Their message was clear: Europe will not allow Ukraine to be sold short.
War Reality Overshadows Diplomacy
Even as Trump and Zelenskyy spoke in Washington, Russia struck Kharkiv and other cities with drones and missiles, killing civilians. Zelenskyy called it a deliberate attempt to undermine peace efforts. The war’s brutal reality loomed over every word spoken in the Oval Office.
What Comes Next?
Trump said he plans to call Vladimir Putin soon, raising the possibility of a trilateral meeting between himself, Zelenskyy, and the Russian leader. For Zelenskyy, such talks are possible—but only on terms that safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Final Take
Today’s meeting reset the tone of U.S.–Ukraine relations but left the substance unresolved. Trump offered sympathy but not specifics, floated peace without a ceasefire, and hinted at territorial compromises Kyiv flatly rejects. Europe filled the gaps with firm backing for Zelenskyy. And as bombs fell in Ukraine, one fact was undeniable: the war rages on, and peace remains painfully out of reach.
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