As Trump prepares to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Monday, he has expressed his desire for Zelensky to agree to a peace agreement, despite ongoing concerns from Ukraine over Russian occupation. In a follow-up call after the summit, Zelensky reiterated the need for "lasting peace," urging an immediate cessation of hostilities.

This shift in Trump's position marks a significant departure from his prior outlook. Just days earlier, he had advocated for a quick ceasefire before advancing to negotiation talks. While Ukraine's stance has been to prioritize a ceasefire, reports indicate that Putin has proposed terms which include the possible transfer of control over the Donetsk region to Russia in exchange for a freeze on the front lines.

Trump, who has previously indicated that any peace arrangement might involve territorial exchanges, reportedly shared these details with Zelensky. European leaders are reportedly apprehensive that Trump may attempt to coerce Zelensky into accepting terms discussed with Putin, which could compromise Ukraine's strategic interests, particularly concerning the Donbas region.

In a media interview, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," emphasizing Russia's strength compared to Ukraine. Although Trump had previously threatened harsh consequences against Moscow for not reaching a ceasefire, he emphasized the summit had made progress without revealing concrete agreements between the two leaders.

On a broader scale, the "coalition of the willing,” encompassing countries like the UK, France, and Germany, is set to convene discussions on further strengthening support for Ukraine ahead of Zelensky's visit to the White House. European leaders issued a joint statement stressing that future discussions must include Zelensky, underscoring the notion that Ukraine's territorial decisions should not be influenced by external pressures from Russia.

While some leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have commended Trump's engagement in pursuing peace, the overall mood in Ukraine is one of skepticism and dismay. Many Ukrainians have expressed feeling demoralized by the outcomes of the summit and Trump's overture towards an agreement with Russia, emphasizing that the complexities of the conflict demand careful and respectful negotiations. With the region still reeling from the consequences of the ongoing war, Trump's latest position could further complicate the path to resolution and stability in Ukraine.