Trump Pushes for Direct Peace Agreement on Ukraine

Zelensky Heads to Washington, Which Could Pave the Way for a 3-Way Meeting with Putin

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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has ruled out an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after his inconclusive summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin, saying a direct peace agreement would end the war.

The White House and Kremlin leaders pointed to areas of agreement during their three hours of talks in Alaska, but offered no breakthrough on a ceasefire in the conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and caused widespread destruction in Ukraine.

"A great and very successful day in Alaska!" Mr. Trump proclaimed on his Truth Social platform on Aug. 16, hours after touching down in Washington.

"The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late-night phone call with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine, and various European leaders, including the highly respected secretary-general of NATO."

He said it was determined by all that the best way to end the "horrific war... is to go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere cease-fire agreement, which often times does not hold up."

President Zelensky said earlier he will go to Washington for a meeting with Mr. Trump on Aug. 18, which the US leader confirmed would be held in the Oval Office.