Donald Trump will host Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday.

By Ciaran McGrath, Senior News Reporter

14:58, Sun, Aug 17, 2025 Updated: 15:41, Sun, Aug 17, 2025

U.S. President Trump And Russian President Putin Meet On War In Ukraine At U.S. Air Base In Alaska

US President Donald Trump (Image: Getty)

Donald Trump has hinted at a breakthrough in his talks with Russia, just hours before a critical meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a post published on his platform Truth Social on Sunday afternoon, the former president declared: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! President DJT.”

The message immediately set off speculation that Trump may be preparing to announce a framework for a ceasefire. Diplomats warned, however, that any deal could involve territorial concessions, a sticking point for Kyiv. With Zelensky flying in for direct talks, Mr Trump’s cryptic post has raised both hopes and fears over what “progress” might actually mean.

The prospect of a Russian land grab would not go down well in Europe, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signalling today ahead of a meeting of European leaders Ukrainian borders can't be changed through the use of brute force.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ms von der Leyen said: “With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force.

“These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.”

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The EU chief also suggested Donald Trump’s move away from seeking a ceasefire with Russia ahead of a full peace agreement was not important, and claimed either arrangement would “stop the killing”. She added: “It’s not the term itself, it’s the content that matters.”

Mr Zelensky said he “totally” agreed with Ms von der Leyen, adding that negotiations needed to result in the “correct steps to have lasting peace, to stop Putin” rather than simply a pause in the war.

Mr Trump's post and suggestions he may be ready to set out a plan for peace in Ukraine come as it emerged Sir Keir Starmer will be one of the Western leaders to take part in the meeting with Mr Zelensky at the White House on Monday.