On Friday, Oct 17, Trump met Ukraine’s Zelensky at the White House, reportedly urging surrender of Donbas to Russia for peace.
Tense White House Meeting
On Friday, 17 October, President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House to discuss ending the war, officials said, describing the encounter as tense and difficult.
Earlier Reports Confirm Pressure to Yield Donbas
AFP confirmed claims made by Britain’s Financial Times that Trump urged Zelensky to accept Russian terms, including surrendering the entire Donbas region, and warned that Ukraine must sign a deal or face destruction.
Trump Rejects Claims of Donbas Negotiations
In a separate statement recorded by Politico, Trump said he had called for a freeze of the fighting at the current front line, denied discussing Donbas division with Zelensky, and assured reporters he’d not referenced a ceasefire.