US: Trump Rules Out Ukraine’s NATO Membership and Crimea Return Ahead of White House Meeting with Zelenskyy
Washington, D.C. – On the eve of a high-profile meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of statements that have stirred international debate. Trump made it clear that Ukraine will neither be admitted into NATO nor regain control of Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The remarks came just hours before his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a delegation of top European leaders.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump declared, “Monday is a big day at the White House. So many European leaders have never come together at one time. It is truly an honor for me to host them.” He further emphasized that Ukraine’s NATO membership is “not possible” and that Crimea will “never be returned,” adding, “Some things never change.”
Trump Shuts Down NATO Speculation
By categorically ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine, Trump effectively ended months of speculation about Kyiv’s possible entry into the alliance. According to him, Ukraine’s future lies outside NATO, and Zelenskyy himself holds the key to ending the war. Trump claimed that President Zelenskyy “can stop the war with Russia immediately if he wants, or he can choose to continue the fight.”
He also revisited the events of 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea during the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama. Trump argued that Crimea was taken “without firing a single shot” and insisted that its return is off the table.
Focus on Zelenskyy and the War in Ukraine
The spotlight now shifts to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will join Trump for crucial talks. Trump indicated that the Ukrainian leader has the power to determine the direction of the ongoing conflict. “Ukraine should not pursue NATO membership,” he said, reiterating his stance that pushing for membership would only complicate the path toward peace.
Gathering of European Leaders at the White House
In addition to the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump announced preparations for what he described as a “special day” with key European leaders. The summit will see the largest gathering of European heads of state at the White House in recent years. Confirmed attendees include:
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Trump highlighted the significance of hosting such a delegation, dismissing media criticism in advance. “Fake news will claim it is a loss for President Trump to host so many leaders in our beautiful White House. The truth is, it is a great honor for America,” he wrote.
A Critical Meeting for Ukraine’s Future
The timing of Trump’s remarks adds weight to his upcoming talks with Zelenskyy. With top European leaders and NATO officials present, the meeting is being described as a pivotal moment for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. The discussions are expected to cover the ongoing war, Europe’s security commitments, and the role of the United States in shaping future peace efforts.
For now, Trump’s blunt declaration that Ukraine will neither join NATO nor regain Crimea sets the tone for a tense dialogue at the White House, one that could shape the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the months to come.
