Trump reportedly concludes Zelensky “Aiming for Escalation,” Not Peace, after meeting

Former President Donald Trump reportedly left a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convinced that Kyiv’s leadership is seeking to escalate the war rather than pursue peace, according to a CNN report citing sources inside the White House.

During what was described as a “direct and honest conversation,” Trump reportedly told Zelensky that Ukraine would not receive long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. One U.S. official familiar with the discussion said Trump came away with the impression that Zelensky’s government “is aiming for escalation and prolonging the conflict.”

Several White House officials told CNN that the administration believes “both sides should make a deal,” warning that the situation will “only worsen” if the fighting continues.

The meeting marks one of the most closely watched diplomatic interactions since Trump began signaling a more restrained U.S. role in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing negotiation over continued military support. Neither Trump’s team nor the Ukrainian government has publicly commented on the reported exchange.