Trump Admits Ending Ukraine War Harder Than Expected

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will discuss the war in Ukraine in the coming days, including a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.

The announcement comes after Trump's meeting last month in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which failed to produce any breakthrough. Trump admitted the conflict has been harder to resolve than expected, describing it as“unpredictable” and more complicated than he initially believed.

Meanwhile, the French presidency confirmed it will host a virtual summit with around 30 countries to coordinate security support for Ukraine. The talks are expected to address guarantees that could follow any potential peace agreement with Moscow.

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Zelensky, will take part in the meeting alongside Trump. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced that Brussels has prepared a“detailed plan” to send forces to Ukraine and provide security assurances in coordination with Washington.

Von der Leyen emphasized that financial aid, training, and defensive support will continue even after a peace settlement, underlining Europe's long-term commitment to Kyiv.

The diplomatic push comes as European leaders express frustration with Russia's reluctance to engage in meaningful peace talks. Putin responded on Wednesday by saying he is open to meeting Zelensky but only if the Ukrainian leader travels to Moscow. He added that Russia may raise the level of its negotiators if necessary.

Trump, speaking earlier at the White House alongside Polish President Karol Nawrocki, hinted at the possibility of new sanctions on Moscow if progress stalls. He stressed that“one way or another” the war will end, but declined to detail what measures the U.S. might take.

The combination of U.S. engagement and European coordination reflects the urgency of finding a pathway to peace while recognizing that Ukraine's long-term stability will require sustained international support and security guarantees well beyond the battlefield.

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