Trump Throws Peace Talks Into Chaos as Ukraine Coalition Prepares Critical Meeting

President Donald Trump has cast doubt on US participation in upcoming Ukraine peace negotiations, warning European allies against “wasting time” just hours before a crucial coalition video conference scheduled for Thursday. The American leader revealed there were “strong words” exchanged during a Wednesday phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signaling growing tensions over the approach to ending the conflict.
The “coalition of the willing” meeting will bring together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders from approximately 30 nations supporting Ukraine. Trump indicated that European partners wanted to arrange fresh discussions over the weekend, but he suggested the US might not attend unless certain unspecified conditions are met first. A British summary of Wednesday’s call emphasized that all participants recognized this as a “critical moment” and committed to continuing intensive work on a peace framework.
Zelenskyy is expected to present an updated peace proposal during Thursday’s video conference, building on consultations with US negotiators earlier in the week. The Ukrainian president posted on social media that this week could bring significant developments, stressing that peace has no alternative but emphasizing the need to determine how to force Russia to stop its military operations and prevent future invasions. European leaders have been developing security guarantees for Ukraine in case a peace agreement materializes, though substantial commitments from western nations remain uncertain.
Trump’s shifting positions on Ukraine have created anxiety among allies, particularly given his recent national security strategy that includes criticism of European nations. The president claimed Russia appeared receptive to his draft peace plan while questioning whether Zelenskyy had even reviewed it. Russian officials have indeed praised the Trump administration’s peace initiatives, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describing Trump as the only western leader who understands what made the conflict “inevitable.”
Meanwhile, battlefield conditions continue to deteriorate for Ukraine. Russian forces maintained their assault on Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad, with Moscow’s top general claiming control of 30% of the latter town. Ukrainian military sources described the situation as “absolute hell,” with street-to-street fighting ongoing. Domestically, Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure after firing his chief of staff over corruption allegations and responding to Trump’s suggestion about holding elections by stating he’s prepared to organize a vote within 60 to 90 days if security arrangements can be guaranteed.