Former US President Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just before critical talks in Washington.

He suggested that Ukraine could end the ongoing war with Russia almost immediately if it gave up its NATO ambitions and claims to Crimea.

Trump shared his message on Truth Social, writing: “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately if he wants, or continue fighting.

No getting back Crimea given by Obama (12 years ago without a fight!), and no joining NATO. Some things never change!”

These remarks came only hours before Zelenskyy’s planned meeting with Trump at the White House, which will be followed by a larger summit with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the EU, and NATO. Diplomats worry that Trump might pressure Ukraine into concessions that benefit Moscow.

The European leaders attending the summit are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine’s independence and oppose any peace deal that involves giving up territory.

They also want to know what security assurances the US might provide to Ukraine outside of NATO membership.

Arriving in Washington on Sunday, Zelenskyy emphasized unity and determination, stating: “I am thankful to the president of the United States for the invitation.

We all want to end this war quickly and reliably. I hope that our joint strength with America and European friends will push Russia towards real peace.”

The White House confirmed that Trump will first meet Zelenskyy in the Oval Office and then host the European leaders in the East Room.

These discussions come after Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which many viewed as favorable to Moscow. Trump, however, claimed the meeting achieved “big progress” with Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said any future peace deal should include security guarantees for both Kyiv and Moscow.

Ahead of the Washington talks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Trump’s peace efforts but emphasized that any deal must involve Ukraine fully. He also called for stricter sanctions against Russia.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, added that Putin has, for the first time, agreed to allow U.S. and European protection for Ukraine in a proposed framework outside NATO, modeled on NATO’s Article 5 collective defense principle.