Trump pressures Ukraine to end war ahead of Zelenskyy meeting
NBC20 hrs
Trump Pledges US Security Help for Ukraine During Zelenskyy White House Meeting
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Republicans can keep blaming Joe Biden or Barack Obama or whoever they want, but this war has lingered on with Trump in office, despite his recent fawning meeting with Putin. Ukraine is a U.S. ally, and instead of embarrassing Zelenskyy and snuggling up to dictators, Trump should make demands of Russia that'll get this war over with sooner.
Pro-Trump narrative
This is how peace is made. Trump has now met with both sides of the conflict, and he's committed to bringing both sides to the same table, along with the United States, to bring this war to an end. Trump is determined to make sure the death and destruction conclude, and he won't stop trying to make peace until it's achieved.
Narrative C
Europe must play a larger role in these negotiations because Trump is too prone to moving the goalposts. He dropped his demand for a ceasefire after his meeting with Putin. Trump also seems interested in a peace deal where Ukraine capitulates and Russia gets off scot-free. There must be concessions from both sides to end the war and ensure Europe's security.