Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on X on the evening of 17/8 (morning of 18/8 Hanoi time) that he had arrived in Washington D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump and European leaders.
"I thank the US president for inviting me here. We all desire a swift and reliable end to this war. Peace must be lasting," Zelensky wrote. "I hope the joint strength of Ukraine, the US, and our European friends will compel Russia to pursue genuine peace."
According to Zelensky, new security guarantees for Ukraine after the war must be stronger to prevent further territorial losses.
"I am confident we will protect Ukraine, ensure effective security, and our people will always be grateful to President Trump, all Americans, and all partners and allies for their invaluable support," he stated.
Russia has not yet commented on Zelensky's statement.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium on 17/8. Photo: AFP |
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium on 17/8. Photo: AFP
The White House previously stated that the meeting between President Trump and Zelensky would take place at 1:15 PM on 18/8 (12:15 AM on 19/8 Hanoi time) at the White House. Trump and Zelensky would then attend a multilateral meeting with European leaders.
Trump invited the Ukrainian and European leaders to the White House following his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15/8.
On 17/8, Trump posted on social media that the Ukrainian president could end the war with Russia almost immediately if he chose to, or he could continue the fight. He also reiterated that Ukraine could not reclaim the Crimean Peninsula or join NATO.
After the summit in Alaska, Trump suggested that the parties should aim for a comprehensive peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, rather than pursuing a ceasefire.
He also stated that the Ukraine conflict would end with territorial concessions and security guarantees from the US. President Zelensky confirmed Ukraine's willingness to discuss territory in a potential agreement but would not relinquish areas not under Russian control.
Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters, CNN)
