Trump tells Zelenskyy ceasefire not needed for Russia-Ukraine peace deal
Update — 19 Aug 2025 (TRT): At the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy he doesn’t think a ceasefire is necessary to advance a Russia‑Ukraine peace deal, a shift from earlier signals. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Key takeaways
- No pre‑deal truce: Trump downplayed the need for a ceasefire while pursuing negotiations.
- Security guarantees: He said the U.S. would help Europe provide security assurances for Ukraine as part of a deal.
- Trilateral talks floated: Trump spoke of a possible meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin; details remain unclear.
- EU pushback: European leaders pressed for a ceasefire before any broader agreement.
- Kyiv’s stance: Zelenskyy signaled readiness to meet but continues to seek robust support and opposes concessions absent safeguards.
Why it matters
The U.S. shift away from a pre‑deal ceasefire could accelerate talks but risks entrenching battlefield dynamics and complicating European unity on Ukraine strategy.
What to watch next
- Whether a formal framework emerges that defines security guarantees and sequencing.
- Confirmation of any trilateral summit and Russia’s public posture.
- EU‑U.S. alignment on ceasefire terms and humanitarian access.