Zelenskyy: Trump supports ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine at Putin summit
BERLIN — European leaders met virtually with President Trump today, urging him to press Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine before any peace talks begin. The Trump-Putin meeting is set for Friday in Alaska — without Ukraine’s president at the table.
At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Trump agreed that Russia must commit to those terms before negotiations start. Merz said Europe, NATO, and Trump were “in broad agreement” on next steps — including rejecting legal recognition of Russian-occupied territory.
Loading…
Merz warned that Europe’s security and democracy are at stake if Russia’s invasion goes unchallenged, saying Putin could target other nations if allowed to keep land taken by force.
“The strategy is based on supporting Ukraine and putting pressure on Russia. So, if in Alaska there’s no movement on the Russian side, then the US and the Europeans need to increase the pressure.“
Speaking later at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Trump called the meeting “friendly” and rated it “a 10.” He said there’s “a very good chance” of a follow-up summit with Putin and Zelenskyy “almost immediately” if Friday’s talks go well — but also warned that “very severe consequences” await Russia if there’s no ceasefire deal.
Still, Trump acknowledged he doesn’t believe he can stop Putin from targeting civilians, casting doubt on the chances for a quick truce.
“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with him. Then I go home and I see that a rocket hit a nursing home, or a rocket hit an apartment building, and people are laying dead in the state. So, I guess the answer to that is no, because I’ve had this conversation
Putin now controls nearly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea and most of four eastern regions. He is demanding Ukraine withdraw from remaining territory there and abandon plans to join NATO — demands Kyiv calls unconstitutional and unacceptable.
Trump to raise global tariffs. And, most say the state of the union is weak, poll says
President Trump says he is raising global tariffs to 15%. And ahead of the president's address tomorrow, most Americans say the state of the union is not strong, according to an NPR poll.
U.S. has a quarter fewer immigration judges than it did a year ago. Here’s why
The continued drain of personnel from the already strained immigration court system has contributed to depleted staff morale, mounting case backlogs — and floundering due process.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What’s the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off
Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
The owners want to close this Colorado coal plant. The Trump administration says no
The Trump administration has ordered several coal plants to keep operating past their planned retirement, part of a larger effort to boost the coal industry. Two Colorado utilities are pushing back.
Mexico fears more violence after army kills leader of powerful Jalisco cartel
School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside following the army's killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," and the violence it spurred
