Donald Trump has told Volodymyr Zelensky he could end the war “almost immediately” ahead of their scheduled meeting on Monday in Washington.
Posting on social media on Sunday night, the US President also laid out the terms which the Ukrainian President would have to accept for the conflict to end.
Last time the pair met, it ended in an explosive row and Mr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House
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During their last encounter in the Oval Office, Mr Trump berated the Ukrainian President before his advisors asked him to leave the White House.
The US President told Mr Zelensky: “You’re gambling with World War Three, 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.”
US Vice President JD Vance added: “Have you said ‘thank you’ once?”
Retired French General Dominique Trinquand said: “The Europeans are very afraid of the Oval Office scene being repeated and so they want to support Mr Zelensky to the hilt.
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Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump met in Anchorage, Alaska last week | REUTERS“It’s a power struggle and a position of strength that might work with Trump.”
However, Mr Trump does not seem fazed by the decision of the European leaders to join the Ukrainian President.
Instead, he posted on social media: “Big day at the White House tomorrow.
“Never had to many European leaders at one time. My great honour to host them!”
European leaders are set to travel to Washington alongside Mr Zelensky
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The meeting between Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky, and the European leaders comes just days after the US President met with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.
After the two-and-a-half hour meeting, Mr Trump admitted a deal had not been struck, but progress had been made.
He said: “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.”
