by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
KYIV/WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News) – In a major setback for Ukraine facing relentless Russian attacks, U.S. President Donald J. Trump said a ceasefire was not necessary to negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia war.
Trump spoke at the White House when asked if there would still be “severe consequences” for Russia if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed, as he had previously said.
“I don’t think you need a ceasefire,” he said, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visibly upset while sitting next to him. A truce is “good to have,” but he added that he could understand why one country might not want one.
“We can work a peace deal while they’re fighting. They have to fight. I wish they could stop, I’d like them to stop, but strategically that could be a disadvantage for one side or the other,” he explained.
Earlier, Trump was asked if he would offer Ukraine NATO-style Article 5 security guarantees, which state that an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all.
Trump said this has not yet been discussed but pledged to Kyiv: “We will give them very good protection, very good security. That’s part of it.”
SHIFT POSITION RAISES CONCERNS
Trump’s remarks marked a departure from his earlier stance that a ceasefire was essential before peace talks. Analysts noted the shift mirrors some of Moscow’s preferences, fueling concern among Western allies.
However, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not accept any peace agreement requiring it to give up territory, insisting sovereignty and territorial integrity remain non-negotiable.
European leaders, including officials from Britain, France, and Germany, stressed that Ukraine must be provided with credible and enforceable security assurances before any peace deal is finalized. Some floated the idea of a “coalition of the willing” to back Ukraine if NATO cannot formally extend Article 5 protection.
Yet despite these differences, both Trump and Zelenskyy expressed hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin could eventually join in trilateral discussions.
The talks with reporters came as Zelenskyy, along with European and NATO military leaders, sought assurances that Washington would not make a separate deal with Moscow that could sideline Ukraine and its allies.
STRIKES CONTINUE TO KILL
Even as talks unfolded, Russian strikes continued across Ukraine.
Local authorities reported fresh drone and missile attacks on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, killing and injuring dozens, including children.
Back at the White House, the atmosphere was different from February, when Trump berated Zelenskyy in an unprecedented quarrel broadcast worldwide.
A reporter who had previously criticized Zelenskyy for not dressing formally enough said this time that the Ukrainian president looked “fabulous” in his suit — a sentiment Trump said he shared. The reporter apologized to Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president, a former comedian, quickly seized the moment to quip that while he changed his clothes, the journalist was wearing the same suit as during their last encounter: “I changed, you did not.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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