Surrender? Zelensky "backed into a corner"

According to reports, Trump is increasingly pressing for an agreement and is trying to persuade Zelensky that continuing military efforts to retain control of the Donbas region is “not worth it.”

The Trump administration is reportedly highlighting the potential financial benefits Ukraine could receive if it drops its opposition to such an agreement.

The discussions are taking place amid severely strained relations between Washington and Kyiv following the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing.

The meeting, hosted by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, is attended by Zelensky, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, while special envoy Jared Kushner is participating in diplomatic discussions via video link.

Witkoff is expected to travel directly to Russia after the meetings in Norway to present the proposed terms to President Vladimir Putin.

Trump previously accused Zelensky of having no desire to end the war, pointing to Ukrainian strikes on Russian diesel refineries, which he said were significantly disrupting the diesel market, including in the United States.

He also claimed that the war ensures a steady flow of funds from the EU to the Ukrainian president, alleging that Zelensky is unwilling to give up this source of financial support.