Trump Calls for End to Ukraine War Following Productive Meeting with Zelensky at White House

President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for discussions at the White House on Friday, after which Trump took to social media urging Kyiv and Moscow to "stop where they are" and bring an end to the conflict.

The US president indicated hesitation about approving the sale of a long-range missile system that Ukraine claims is critical for their defense needs.

Their one-on-one meeting came just a day after Trump held an extensive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict.

Following the meeting with Zelensky, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide."

Zelensky told reporters after their discussions that the time had come for a ceasefire and negotiations. While appearing to acknowledge Trump's call to halt hostilities, he clarified, "The president is right, we have to stop where we are, and then to speak."

Trump reiterated his belief that Putin and Zelensky harbor intense animosity toward each other, complicating direct negotiations. In response, Zelensky stated, "It's not about feelings, to me or any other Ukrainian. They attacked us, so they are an enemy for us. They don't intend to stop. So they are an enemy. It is not about someone just hating someone else. Although, undoubtedly, we hate the enemy. Undoubtedly."

The meeting between the two leaders extended beyond two hours with their top advisors present. According to a senior Ukrainian official speaking anonymously, the lunch meeting continued much longer than initially planned.

Regarding potential future meetings involving Putin, Trump responded "To be determined" when asked about the possibility. He suggested it would likely be a "double meeting," while assuring that Zelensky would remain informed throughout the process.

Trump emphasized the "bad blood" between Putin and Zelensky, stating, "These two leaders do not like each other and we want to make it comfortable for everybody."

At the start of their talks, Zelensky expressed optimism about Trump's role in resolving the conflict, saying the US president now has "momentum" and "a big chance to finish this war."

The Ukrainian leader acknowledged his country's substantial drone capabilities but highlighted their need for stronger US-made missiles, suggesting potential military collaboration between both nations. When asked about interest in such an arrangement, Trump replied, "We are."

Trump also commented on how drone warfare has "really come to the fore" in recent years due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Regarding his strategy for ending the war, Trump has consistently advocated for imposing tariffs to pressure Russia, contingent on NATO countries ceasing Russian oil imports. However, during his meeting with Zelensky, Trump appeared to defend Hungary's continued Russian oil purchases, saying, "Hungary is sort of stuck because they have one pipeline that's been there for years and years and years, and they're inland. I spoke with the very great leader of Hungary, and they are, you know, it's very hard for them to get oil. I understand it."

Trump mentioned plans to meet Putin in Budapest, Hungary, citing his affinity for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as the reason for selecting this location.

In other developments, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed plans to speak with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday evening, with delegations from both countries scheduled to meet in Malaysia "probably a week from tomorrow" to prepare for a leaders summit.

Tensions between the US and China had escalated recently when Beijing expanded export controls on rare earth materials, which Bessent characterized as an "unprovoked escalation." In response, Trump had threatened to impose a new 100% tariff on China.

However, relations appear to have improved this week, with Trump indicating he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in "a couple of weeks" in South Korea.

Bessent expressed confidence that "President Trump, because of his relationship with President Xi, will be able to get things back on a good course."