After Zelenskyy meeting, Trump says Ukraine, Russia should declare victory

President Trump suggested on Friday that Ukraine and Russia should declare victory in their ongoing conflict, citing the need for both sides to "let history decide." This sentiment emerged after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where discussions centered on long-range weapons such as Tomahawk missiles.

Trump stated that the U.S. is open to trading these missiles in exchange for Ukrainian drones, but added that he doesn't want the United States to be seen as giving away vital military assets. He also complimented Zelenskyy's attire, saying the president "looks beautiful" in his military-style jacket.

Zelenskyy downplayed the discussion of potential military aid, citing concerns over "escalation" and stating that his government doesn't want to discuss it further. The Ukrainian president expressed skepticism about Putin's willingness to end the war with Ukraine, contrasting it with Trump's comments about the possibility of ending the conflict through a deal.

Trump also stated that he believes Zelenskyy has told Putin that Ukraine might give the U.S. drones in exchange for Tomahawks, although he didn't confirm this claim directly. The two leaders held hands before meeting, and Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his recent Middle East peace deal. However, both leaders were critical of Russia's refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations.

In a post-meeting statement, Trump suggested that Ukraine and Russia should "let history decide" who has won the conflict, rather than engaging in further fighting. This sentiment was echoed by Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna, who criticized Russia for choosing "missiles over dialogue" and failing to demonstrate its commitment to peace.

The White House has announced plans for initial meetings leading up to a potential Trump-Putin summit, which will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, concerns remain about Putin's intentions, with Trump admitting that he is concerned the Russian leader may be trying to buy time through his upcoming meeting in Budapest.

I don't usually comment but I think it's pretty weird how Trump and Zelenskyy are discussing Ukraine and Russia declaring victory ... like, what even is that? Are they thinking this war just magically ends because both sides say so? And what's with the military-style jacket tho . Zelenskyy looks good, I guess . But for real though, it feels like they're just passing the buck and hoping history does decide it all ... which is kinda true, but also super unfair to Ukraine and Russia who are actually fighting and dying over here . And what's with the whole "letting history decide" vibe? Like, isn't that exactly what got us into this mess in the first place?

idk why trump is making this "let history decide" thing happen ... sounds like just another way for him to save face on all the other failed deals he's made. and what's up with him complimenting zelenskyy's jacket? that's not exactly a diplomatic gesture. but seriously, both sides are just stalling until they figure out who's gonna come out on top in this conflict. Russia's not gonna give up without a fight and Ukraine doesn't want to surrender either... it's all just a big mess

idk what's more cringeworthy - trump thinking ukraine and russia can just "let history decide" after all they've been through or him complimenting zelenskyy's military jacket lol like who does that?

anyway, it seems like trump is trying to play both sides here which is super suspicious. on one hand he's giving tomahawk missiles to ukraine and on the other hand he thinks they'll just let russia win? come on trump. also can we talk about zelenskyy's jacket - it does look kinda sharp in that pic though

I'm not sure what's more worrying, Trump's comments or Putin's silence on all this . I mean, come on, declare victory already?! Does he think that just because history has decided for him, Ukraine and Russia can just pick up where they left off? It feels like neither side is willing to actually work towards a solution, instead just looking for ways to gain an upper hand. And what's with the military-style jacket comment ? Is that really the most important thing to be complimented on right now? Zelenskyy seems smart to downplay those discussions, though. Can't let Trump's loose lips sink Ukraine and Russia into more trouble .

man I'm so done with trump's antics he thinks just because he wore a jacket from khakis store, zelenskyy looks good, meanwhile they're negotiating war and peace like it's some kind of fashion show what's next, trading tomahawk missiles for ukrainian hairstyles? anyway its clear trump is more concerned about the optics than actual progress in Ukraine conflict, and now we got rubio leading the charge Putin's gonna get away with whatever he wants because usa doesn't have a clue how to deal with him

omg what's going on with trump and putin?! i mean i get that they need to talk things out but this whole "let history decide" thing is kinda weird like, isn't that just a fancy way of saying we're gonna let the strong survive? anyway, i'm all for peace and stuff, but what if it's just another ploy by putin to get what he wants without actually having to compromise? my money's on trump trying to be the peacemaker here lol, but seriously can we please just have some concrete plans and not so much guessing games?

I'm not sure if this whole situation is gonna work out ... Trump seems super optimistic about a deal, but I think Ukraine should be careful what they wish for Putin's history doesn't exactly scream "peace talks" ... and what with the Tomahawk missiles and drones in the mix, it's like they're playing a game of military roulette . Zelenskyy seems smart to downplay the whole thing, though - he knows his country can't afford to get caught up in another war . Fingers crossed that Trump's meeting with Putin actually leads somewhere... but I'm keeping my doubts to myself

so like trump just saying we r open to trade missiles for drones but he dont wanna give away the guns lol... meanwhile zelenskyy is all "no thanks" cuz hes worried about escalation and poutine just ignoring everyone ... honestly idk what trump wants from this meeting other than getting some pics with zelenskyy holding hands

gotta wonder if trump's really thinking about what's best for ukraine or just trying to get a good headline out of it... like, how can you declare victory when there are still people getting killed every day? also what's up with the tomahawk missile trade? seems kinda shady to me... and btw, why is trump complimenting zelenskyy on his outfit? does that really distract from the real issues at hand?

I'm getting so tired of this Ukraine-Russia conflict . Can't we all just sit down and talk like civilized humans? It's like everyone's trying to outmaneuver each other on the world stage. I get that both sides have valid concerns, but it feels like we're just throwing good money (and lives) after bad. Trump seems to be taking a more... let's say, "diplomatic" approach , but honestly, I'm not sure if Putin is even interested in talking peace . The fact that Trump had to compliment Zelenskyy on his outfit made me cringe , it feels like we need to focus on the issue at hand, not our personal style . Can't we all just try to work towards a peaceful resolution?

idk what trump's thinking lol just saying it out loud... if russia and ukraine wanna end the conflict, why not just talk about it? it sounds like trump's more interested in showing off his military might than actually finding a solution meanwhile, i'm over here thinking zelenskyy is being super diplomatic by not pushing back on trump's comments maybe it's a good idea for him to stick to that strategy, see where it takes him

so i was thinking about this and it got me thinking about how hard it is for leaders to make decisions when their own interests are on the line. trump's comment about ukraine and russia declaring victory kinda makes sense, but at what cost? its like he's trying to avoid a war, but still wants to maintain some control over the situation. meanwhile zelenskyy is just trying to protect his country from getting hurt even more. it's like they're both playing this game of chess where one wrong move can lead to disaster. i think what's really going on here is that both sides are scared of losing face, and that fear is holding them back from making real progress. if only they could put aside their ego for the sake of finding a peaceful solution...

so trump is suggesting ukraine and russia just give up on this conflict already and let history decide? how convenient is that? where's the proof he wants to see from zelenskyy about this deal with putin? sounds like a classic cold war ploy to me

and what's with trump complimenting zelenskyy's jacket ? does he think we're all just here for his fashion critique? and btw, has anyone seen any actual evidence of ukraine giving us drones in exchange for tomahawks? seems like a pretty big ask to me.

also, why is trump so quick to believe zelenskyy's claims about putin wanting peace? shouldn't he be asking more questions instead of just taking zelenskyy's word for it? this whole thing reeks of desperation and lack of transparency.