President Donald Trump has issued an extraordinary rebuke of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, telling him he can ‘end the war with Russia.’

Trump categorically ruled out Zelensky’s hope to see Ukraine join NATO and indicated he has no desire to see Crimea returned to Ukrainian rule.

His unexpected stance emerges just hours before his planned meeting with Zelensky in Washington on Monday, marking their first encounter since the notable conflict in February.

On Sunday night, Trump expressed on Truth Social, “President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has the option to end the conflict with Russia almost instantly if he wishes or choose to persist in fighting.”

‘Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. 

‘Some things never change!!!’

In response, Zelensky took to X later that night, stating, “We all harbour a profound wish to conclude this war swiftly and securely, ensuring a lasting peace.”

He has already indicated he will split with Trump over Crimea, writing: ‘Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East – part of Donbas – and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack. 

‘Of course, Crimea should not have been given up then, just as Ukrainians did not give up Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv after 2022.’

President Donald Trump has issued an extraordinary rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, telling him he can ‘end the war with Russia’

 It is feared Zelensky could be strong-armed by the President on Monday into accepting these terms or risk losing American support. Pictured: Zelensky and President Trump meet at the Oval Office in February

Zelensky argued ‘Russia must end this war, which it itself started’, railing against Trump’s suggestion that he could solely choose to bring peace for his people.

‘Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for their independence. Now, our soldiers have successes in Donetsk and Sumy regions,’ he wrote.

‘I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance.’

While Zelensky expressed gratitutde for both Trump and America in his statement, there are worldwide concerns that his meeting with Trump on Monday could end poorly. 

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are rallying around the Ukrainian president and will join him in Washington for the highly anticipated meeting amid fears he is walking into a trap. 

Their pledge to be at Zelensky’s side is an apparent effort to ensure the meeting goes better than the last one in February, when Trump berated Zelensky in a heated Oval Office encounter.

At the time, the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House by top Trump advisors following the heated confrontation.

‘You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have,’ Trump told Zelensky.

The meeting comes days after Trump met with Putin for a two-and-a-half hour discussion in Alaska about the ongoing conflict 

Vice President JD Vance chimed in, demanding that Zelensky show gratitude – asking, ‘Have you said ”thank you” once?’

‘The Europeans are very afraid of the Oval Office scene being repeated and so they want to support Mr. Zelensky to the hilt,’ said retired French General Dominique Trinquand.

‘It’s a power struggle and a position of strength that might work with Trump.’

Trump appeared unfazed by the EU leaders’ decision to join Zelensky to send him a message, writing on Truth Social on Sunday night: ‘Big day at the White House tomorrow. 

‘Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!’

He added: ‘The Fake News will say that it is a big loss for President Trump to host so many great European Leaders at our beautiful White House. Actually, it is a great honor for America!!!’ 

Neil Melvin, director of international security at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said European leaders are trying to ‘shape this fast-evolving agenda.’ 

The meeting comes days after Trump met with Putin for a two-and-a-half hour discussion in Alaska about the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Afterwards, Trump admitted he and Putin could not strike a deal on the crisis, but insisted: ‘We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to.

‘We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.’ 

After the Alaska summit, the idea of a ceasefire appears all-but-abandoned, with the narrative shifting toward Putin’s agenda of ensuring Ukraine does not join NATO or even the EU. 

Diplomatic sources said that Friday’s summit paved the way for a deal in which Ukraine would be expected to surrender large swathes of the Donbas region in the east of the country, including areas currently controlled by Kyiv. 

Zelensky earlier pushed back against Trump’s assertion — which aligned with Putin’s preference — that the two sides should negotiate a complete end to the war, rather than first securing a ceasefire. 

This would allow Putin to continue his deadly strikes until a full peace deal was achieved. 

Zelensky said a ceasefire would provide breathing room to review Putin’s demands.

‘It’s impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons,’ he said. ‘Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must do it.’