Trump demands Ukraine to capitulate: Zelensky reiterates that there will be no territorial concessions

Prior to his meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, President Trump has called on Ukraine to capitulate top Russia. Press reports state that Vladimir Putin is proposing through President Trump for Ukraine to give up territory in the east of Ukraine in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. President Zelensky is already in the US and the meeting will take place later on in the evening.

Prior to flying to Washington, President Zelensky and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a press conference in Brussels. President Zelensky stated that Russia has been trying to take over the Donetsk region for over 12 years with no success and that the Constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up land. President Zelensky stressed that it was important that Ukraine and European leaders speak in a united voice at the White House.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe’s position is unequivocally clear: borders can not change by force and that Europe will keep supporting Ukraine’s position. The Commission President also stated that the EU will keep supporting Ukraine’s membership bid for the EU which would effectively provide the EU’s security guarantee. The EU Commission President also confirmed that the EU is working on a 19th sanctions package against Russia.

In a separate press conference President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia is demanding Ukraine’s surrender and stressed that if Europe showed weakness today, it would incentivise Russia to start further wars in the future.

President Zelensky is to meet President Trump later today along with European leaders including President Macron, Premier Keir Starmer, Finland’s Premier Alexander Stubb and Premier Giorgia Meloni. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also be present.

Russia has kept striking Ukrainian cities during the past week with attacks today resulting in the death of at least one child in the city of Kharkiv as apartment buildings were bombed.

Maltese Herald

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