US President Donald Trump has ruled out Ukraine reclaiming Crimea or joining Nato as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European leaders in Washington, a move that underscores deep divisions over the future of Europe’s security.
Trump sets non-negotiable terms
In a late-night statement, Trump declared that Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, would not return to Ukrainian control and that Kyiv’s aspiration to join Nato was “off the table.” He insisted that Zelenskyy could end the war “almost immediately” if these points were accepted, framing them as essential conditions in any negotiations with Moscow. His comments mark a sharp departure from longstanding Western policy that recognises Crimea as part of Ukraine and supports Kyiv’s right to pursue Nato membership.
European leaders push back
Zelenskyy arrived in Washington accompanied by the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Finland, as well as Nato’s Secretary-General. Together, they presented a unified front in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its internationally recognised borders. European officials signalled that while they remained open to discussions on security arrangements, conceding Crimea or abandoning Nato pathways was unacceptable. The joint stance reflected a determination to counter what they view as Russian attempts to rewrite international norms through force.
Security guarantees without Nato membership
Despite Trump’s rejection of full Nato accession, discussions have focused on providing Ukraine with Nato-style protections. A US envoy confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin, during recent talks in Alaska, had agreed in principle to allow Washington and its European allies to offer Ukraine collective security guarantees. Such an arrangement would fall short of Article 5 obligations but could provide Kyiv with a framework of defence commitments designed to deter further aggression.
Implications for Ukraine and the West
The proposals highlight a growing tension between Trump’s transactional approach and Europe’s emphasis on principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Critics warn that legitimising Russia’s hold over Crimea risks undermining the rules-based international order and emboldening future territorial claims. For Ukraine, the loss of its Nato path leaves long-term uncertainties, even if near-term guarantees strengthen its defensive position.
A test of Western unity
The outcome of the Washington meetings will be critical in determining both Ukraine’s security future and the cohesion of Western allies. For European leaders, maintaining solidarity on Ukraine’s sovereignty is essential not only for Kyiv but for the credibility of Europe’s broader security framework. For Trump, the talks are an opportunity to claim progress towards ending the war, though at the cost of significant concessions. The balancing act between peace and principle is set to dominate the days ahead.
REFH – Newshub, 18 August 2025
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