Donald Trump has drawn a line in the sand for Ukraine’s president, delivering a blunt message: agree to peace with Russia or prepare for catastrophe. In a late-night social media rant, Trump accused Volodymyr Zelensky of dragging out a hopeless war, warning that Ukraine’s stubbornness could lead to its downfall.
The outburst came after Zelensky reiterated his refusal to recognize Russia’s claim to Crimea—a position Trump dismissed as foolish. “Crimea hasn’t been Ukraine’s for years,” Trump wrote. “Zelensky’s pride is getting more people killed every day.” He urged the Ukrainian leader to accept reality and negotiate before losing everything.
The tough talk reflects a broader shift in U.S. strategy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested America might withdraw from peace talks if Ukraine refuses to budge, while Trump’s envoy reportedly met with Vladimir Putin to discuss terms. The developments have alarmed European leaders, with one British official accusing Trump’s team of bungling the situation.
But Trump remains unapologetic. “I want to save lives, not feed Zelensky’s ego,” he said. As the war grinds on, his ultimatum leaves Ukraine with a difficult choice: compromise or risk annihilation.
