A critical meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump is underway on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. At the opening of talks, the American president sent a clear message about the need to end hostilities, stressing that “both warring parties want a settlement” of the conflict in Ukraine. Trump also expressed strong satisfaction with the atmosphere within the Alliance, calling the Summit “exceptional,” while leaving all options open for his next moves and adding meaningfully that “this is not the end.”
Praise for Zelensky and comments about Putin
During his remarks, the American president did not hesitate to commend his Ukrainian counterpart, noting that “Zelensky has been very effective” in his efforts so far. However, he acknowledged the enormous difficulties involved in the peace equation, remarking in his characteristic style that both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin are “tough characters,” a fact that complicates negotiations.
Donald Trump said: “The Russians were the powerhouse of the Middle East for 47 years. They can’t be anymore. We won’t allow it. Zelensky knows the situation better than anyone. I use a parallel with kids in a park who can’t stand each other but sometimes you have to let them fight it out to understand what conflict means. President Zelensky is very effective — he has good equipment because he has our equipment.
“Russia is a great military country, a great power. Someone might say things are worse than ever. We haven’t reached the worst yet. Thousands of people have been lost in recent months — most of them Russians — they are people and it makes no difference whether they are Ukrainian or Russian. It’s an ugly war. I’ve seen images, scenes from the battlefields. They want this war to end.”
He continued: “This war would never have happened if I were president. It’s a shame that it did. I think both presidents want this war to end,” he said, before turning to Volodymyr Zelensky with a question: “Putin would like to meet with you. Would you go?” The Ukrainian president replied: “It’s difficult.”
“We can also put together an appropriate agreement that Europe will oversee — we’ll help them [Ukraine], we’ll prepare a deal package. If we make a deal, Russia will be happy. The country has enormous potential. I believe that’s how he [Zelensky] would envision it — a great, powerful country.”
Trump: “We’ll hit Iran hard tonight”
American President Donald Trump warned that the United States will launch new strikes against Iran on Wednesday evening, following the attacks carried out the previous day.
“I’ll give you a little warning: we’re going to hit them hard tonight,” Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Turkey, during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Earlier, he stated that the interim agreement with Iran “is over,” yet he allowed talks between the two sides to continue and said he would speak with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been in contact with the Iranians — though he insisted it is up to Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
“For me, I think it’s over,” Trump replied when asked about the state of the ceasefire. “It’s just a waste of time dealing with them,” he added bluntly.
Trump accused the Iranians of repeatedly distorting what had been agreed in the ceasefire signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17. “Everyone agrees — no nuclear weapons. We make a deal. They go out, they joke around in the press, they say we never even talked about it. Something is wrong with them — they’re crazy,” Trump said.
The remarks came just hours after American strikes on Iran, which Washington described as retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The American president clarified that U.S. representatives can continue negotiations, but expressed doubts about their outcome. “They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time,” he said.
On NATO, Spain, and F-35s for Turkey
In a discussion with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced that for him the memorandum of understanding with Iran has expired and that the Iranians “have gone crazy.” He also said that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will move to cut Washington’s trade relations with Madrid, due to Spain’s stance on the war with Iran.
Trump also made reference to the F-35s, saying that Turkey “is trying to get them.” Earlier, an American official signaled that lifting CAATSA alone is not sufficient for Ankara to acquire the fighter jets. “Lifting the CAATSA law is not by itself enough to allow Turkey to buy the F-35s. There is no chance,” the official said pointedly on the sidelines of the Summit.
The leaders’ joint communiqué is expected to reiterate the commitment that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons, support for Ukraine with $70 billion this year and a corresponding amount in 2027 to fund its armaments programs, and references to Alliance cohesion and increased defense spending. It will also address the strengthening of the defense industry and $50 billion in investments in new weapons systems.
