Trump says Ukraine’s Zelenskyy could end war ‘almost immediately’
Al Jazeera
US president ramps up pressure on Ukrainian leader to accept deal with Russia ahead of talks in Washington, DC.
United States President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Ukraine to accept an agreement to end Russia’s war, claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could choose to end the conflict “almost immediately”.
Addressing Zelenskyy a day before his high-stakes visit to the White House on Monday, Trump warned that the return of Russian-occupied Crimea and Ukrainian membership of NATO would be off the table in any negotiated settlement.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
“Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
Trump’s comments came as European leaders were set to accompany Zelenskyy on his visit to Washington, DC, on Monday amid concerns in Brussels and Kyiv that the US president could sign off on a deal that is overly favourable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The attack appears to be another Israeli attempted assassination, outside areas traditionally targeted.
Qatar’s envoy to UN condemns Iranian drone, missile strikes across the Gulf as ‘clear violation of international law’.
UN humanitarian chief says mass displacement accelerating as Lebanon’s shelters are already overcrowded, lack resources.
The strike in a densely populated area appears to be another attempted assassination, with no information yet on target.
Lawmakers say the White House has not clearly explained why the US entered the conflict, or how long it may last.
The global rights group says erosion of health, safety in Gaza ‘a deliberate act of war targeting women and girls’.
Two Israeli air attacks hit Lebanon’s southern city of Tyre amid media reports Tel Aviv wants to expand buffer zone.
Expanding regional conflict shifts global attention as Gaza faces border closures, inflation and ‘ceasefire’ violations.
Images verified by Human Rights Watch show Israel fired white phosphorus in populated areas of southern Lebanon.
Mojtaba Khamenei will now be charged with leading Islamic Republic through the biggest crisis in its 47-year history.
Analysts say Israel’s actions in Lebanon, including mass displacement, are an effort to reshape the country.
The conflict has already led to the suspension of almost a fifth of global crude oil and natural gas supply.
Arab states in the Gulf and beyond that house US assets have been targeted in Iranian retaliatory strikes in the war.